JD(U), RJD, YSRCP, BJD push for special status for Bihar, AP, Odisha

Cong seeks LS Dy Speaker’s post for Oppn, raises NEET issue

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

Ahead of the first full Budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, several political parties, both from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition, have demanded “special status” for their respective states. At an all-party meeting held in the national capital on Sunday, leaders from the JD(U), RJD, YSRCP, and BJD highlighted the need for the Centre to grant special category status to Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

The Janata Dal-United (JD-U), a coalition partner in the ruling NDA, has been persistent in its demand for special status for Bihar. The party stated that if there are technical issues in granting this status, a special package should be considered instead.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) from Andhra Pradesh stressed that special category status is crucial for the state’s development. They criticised the ruling TDP for not advocating this issue, alleging a compromise with the BJP. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy announced a dharna in Delhi on Wednesday, addressing the state’s law and order situation.