Nitish talks of new 'alliance' with chief ministers

The Bihar CM says he will enter into an non-political tie-up with his counterparts of other underdeveloped states

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has shown a keen interest on formation of an alliance with the CMs of other underdeveloped states to shore up his demand of special status.

Calling the economic policy of the country favorable to only some developed states, he also demanded a paradigm shift in economic policy.

Speaking on an occasion of to mark the the completion of seventh year of his government, Kumar on Saturday vowed to fight for the interests of all backward states.

He said: "Our government has created an atmosphere for development. Our focus has been on integrated growth. This is the reason of our fast development. However, still at this rate of growth, it would take us another 25 years to reach at the national average. This is why, we are demanding special status for the state. This is our justified demand and it will enable us to reach at the national average."

The CM added, "India's growth rate is largely dependent on a handful of developed states. This is the real reason of India's fluctuating growth rate. If Government of India focuses on under-developed states too, then we will have a stable growth rate."

He asked for a paradigm shift in the economic policies of the country. "Current economic policies are not inclusive. This is why we demand a major shift in the economic policies of country. We demand special status or programmes to all those states, which lag behind on the national average. These states must be helped so that they can also contribute in growth of the country. We demand underdeveloped states should also get a chance to develop."

Bihar CM also indicated that he will form an alliance with his counterparts of other underdeveloped states. He said, "I will talk to chief ministers of such states after the winter session of Bihar Assembly. However, this will not be a political formation. Our focus will be on inclusive development of the country. Country cannot grow by ignoring poor states."