'Special status a matter of right, not begging alms'

In a forceful message to the Centre, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said the special category status was a matter of “right” for Bihar and its people.

“The special category status is the right of the people. We are pursuing our rightful demand and not seeking alms,” he said at a public meeting here.

In a stern warning to the UPA government, Kumar said the people will teach a lesson to those who are opposed to the special status demand, in the 2014 general elections.

The chief minister, who has been on a month-long “Adhikar Yatra” since September 19, said: “The next government at the Centre will be formed by only that party which would grant special status to Bihar.”

Stating that special category status was a must for all round development of Bihar, Kumar said the measure will fast track development activities.

“Till date, development activities in Bihar have been funded by the state only,” he claimed, adding that once the status was accorded, the state will have additional funds at its disposal for initiating development activities.

“Private investors will also come to Bihar in a big way as they will stand to get various tax benefits after grant of special status to the state,” Kumar said.