RJD demands special state status for Bihar in the Union Budget.

Patna, January 31, 2026: Ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has demanded that Bihar be granted Special State Status, citing the state’s worsening economic condition and rising debt burden.

RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan said that the recently released Economic Survey of the central government itself exposes Bihar’s grim economic reality.

RJD leader pointed out that Bihar is the lowest per capita state:

He pointed out that Bihar has emerged as the poorest state in the country, with the lowest per capita income, which is less than Rs 70,000 annually.

According to the RJD, the situation is even more alarming at the district level.

“In districts like Sheohar, Sitamarhi, and Araria, the per capita monthly income is burdened with a debt of more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore, which means every citizen of Bihar carries a debt of over Rs 25,000,” Gagan said.

He asserted that Special State Status is essential to pull Bihar out of poverty and ensure accelerated development.

The RJD spokesperson said that under the leadership of party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and National Executive President Tejashwi Yadav, the party has consistently raised the demand for Special State Status and Bihar’s rightful share of central resources.

“Unfortunately, the NDA government at the Centre has always treated Bihar unfairly. Whatever announcements were made for Bihar in previous Union Budgets remained confined to speeches and did not translate into concrete action,” he alleged.

Chittranjan Gagan further reminded that the Prime Minister had promised Special State Status for Bihar on several occasions, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself had stated that he would support only that alliance which grants Special State Status to Bihar.

“Today, the central government depends on Nitish Kumar’s support. Then why is Bihar still being denied its due? If Bihar does not get Special State Status even after eleven years of a double-engine government, both the BJP and the JDU will have to answer,” he said.

RJD blamed the NDA for the backwardness of Bihar:

He also blamed the NDA for Bihar’s backwardness and rising debt.

“If Bihar remains backward today and is under such a massive debt burden, then the NDA—which has ruled Bihar for early twenty years—must take responsibility,” he added.

Raising another long-pending issue, the RJD spokesperson recalled that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had publicly demanded Central University status for Patna University during a program held at the institution.

“That promise has not been fulfilled to date. We hope this demand of the Chief Minister is finally addressed in the Union Budget to be presented tomorrow,” Gagan said.

Also Read: RJD MP Manoj Jha writes to PM Modi seeking protection of Gig Workers’ Rights.

EOM.