Politicians

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on special status for BIHAR

Bihar’s Quest for Special Status: A Look at Recent Developments

The Demand for Special Status

The call for granting ‘special state status’ to Bihar has gained traction in recent discussions. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi addressed this issue on Wednesday. He emphasized that the NITI Aayog has already ruled out the possibility of special status for any state.

Commitment to Development

Despite the setback regarding special status, Manjhi remains optimistic about Bihar’s future. He stated, “While the demand for special status is not a major concern, it’s essential to recognize the substantial support Bihar has received.”

The last budget allocated around Rs 300 crore to various schemes for the state. Manjhi highlighted that Prime Minister Modi is closely monitoring Bihar’s progress. He assured that development will continue without interruption.

Celebrating Milestones

On the same day, Manjhi celebrated his 80th birthday in Patna. His remarks came amid the JD(U)‘s ongoing advocacy for special status. However, this request faces challenges. On July 22, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Bihar would not receive special status, referencing the 2012 Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) report.

Budget Announcements for Growth

In a positive development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25. She announced significant investments aimed at enhancing infrastructure in both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. This commitment signals progress, even amidst the ongoing debate over special status.

Looking Ahead

As Bihar navigates these complex discussions, the focus remains on growth. The state aims to implement development schemes that bring lasting benefits to its citizens. With continued attention from the central government, there is hope for a brighter future for Bihar.

Hari

Political strategist under ED scanner

Kolkata: On Friday, January 10, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members demonstrated against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions after the ED raids at the I-PAC office and its chief Pratik Jain's home. | In relation to an alleged coal smuggling case that stretches back a few years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and Pratik Jain's home on Loudon Street in Kolkata on Thursday, January 8, 2025. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a protest against the ED raids on I-PAC after the raid set off a political storm in the state. Why is a chief minister endorsing Pratik Jain, and who is he? Pratik Jain, a political strategist and co-founder of I-PAC, is a graduate of IIT Bombay. He is credited with helping I-PAC grow into one of the most significant political consulting organizations in India. I-PAC was established in 2015 and offers services like data-driven campaign management, support for governance, and voter outreach initiatives. It has collaborated with a number of Indian political groups throughout the years, notably West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC). I-PAC reportedly collaborates closely with Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, and his office. The company oversees the IT and media division of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and is in charge of creating its election campaigns. Mr. Jain was in charge of the Trinamool Congress's IT cell, according to Ms. Banerjee. According to his LinkedIn page, Jain, an engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, started his career as an analyst at the consulting firm Deloitte. He was one of the first members of Citizens of Accountable Governance, which later evolved into I-PAC. Arvind Kejriwal, M.K. Stalin, Jaganmohan Reddy, Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitish Kumar are just a few of the prominent figures with whom the political consultancy firm has collaborated.…

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