Government Denies Bihar Special Status, Odisha Renews Push

The central government has denied special status for Bihar, a demand persistently raised by the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and supported by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). This decision, based on the 2012 Inter-Ministerial Group report and the 14th Finance Commission's recommendations which increased the devolution of central funds to states but eliminated the special category status, has led to political friction, with the RJD criticizing Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for failing to secure the status. Concurrently, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has renewed its push for special status for Odisha, citing the state's susceptibility to cyclones and longstanding neglect. BJD leaders argue that despite former CM Naveen Patnaik's repeated appeals, the central government has not addressed their concerns. The central government maintains that the criteria for special status no longer align with current policy frameworks.