Special status for Bihar is our right, not charity: Nitish Kumar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said the demand for special status for Bihar is the right of the people of the state, and not charity.

"Regarding the special status, whoever wants to see can go and see, and whoever wants to go and count may please do so. We were not satisfied with it. The government said that Bihar needs to get special status, but failed to do so," he said.

Kumar, who addressed the Janata Dal (United) party workers here, said Bihar demanded Rs. 20,000 crore from the Centre and got Rs. 12,000 crore.

"Our fight goes on. JD (U)'s signature campaign forced the Centre to set up a panel to consider giving special status for Bihar. The JD (U) will connect with voters, demand the legitimate rights of Bihar. We had to face many hardships for this, but it is not a fight for one person, but for the entire state of Bihar," said Kumar.

"We are demanding special status. It is our right, not charity. We are made of determination. We will get Bihar its rights. And, we will get what is our due," he added.

The Janata Dal (United) has for long sought special status for the state, especially in the aftermath of its division, with most of the natural resources ending up in Jharkhand.