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BJP-Led Central Government Denies Special Category Status for Bihar

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The BJP-led central government has rejected the demand for special category status for Bihar, a request made by its ally JD(U). This decision will also affect a similar demand from another ally, the TDP, for Andhra Pradesh. Junior Finance Minister Pankaj Chaudhary communicated the government’s stance in a written reply to JD(U) MP Rampreet Mandal. Chaudhary explained that the term “special category” was a concept used by the now-defunct Planning Commission, and states have since benefited from special packages instead. The rejection of special category status, though significant due to the importance of JD(U) and TDP’s Lok Sabha numbers for the Modi government, was anticipated and is based on the 14th Finance Commission’s recommendation. The Commission had suggested ending the special category status scheme, which provided incentives like tax concessions to industries in backward states, in favor of increasing the devolution of central funds to states from 32% to 42%. Both TDP and JD(U) seem to have considered this outcome in their political strategies. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has shifted his focus towards securing central assistance for specific projects such as the development of Amaravati as a new capital and the Polavaram dam project. At a recent all-party meeting, TDP representative Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu did not raise the issue of special category status, which reportedly annoyed the Congress. Meanwhile, JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha reiterated Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s demand for special category status during the same meeting but also showed understanding for the central government’s stance, indicating the party might settle for central assistance in managing floods. The decision sparked political reactions, with Lalu Prasad’s RJD taunting JD(U). “Nitish Kumar assured special status for Bihar. Since the Centre has refused, he should resign immediately,” said Lalu. In response, Union Minister Giriraj Singh pointed out that Lalu remained silent when the UPA denied special category status to Bihar, suggesting that the current criticism was hypocritical. Pankaj Chaudhary, in his written reply, explained that special category status was previously granted by the National Development Council (NDC) to states with certain characteristics, such as hilly terrain, low population density, significant tribal populations, strategic border locations, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and non-viable state finances. The decision to grant special status was based on a thorough consideration of these factors and the unique situation of each state. LJP (RV) MP Shambhavi Choudhary added that while the term “special status” ceased to exist after the formation of Niti Aayog, states have continued to receive special packages to accelerate development.

Congress Reaches Out to Naidu, Nitish as NDA Attempts to Form Alliance Government

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In a strategic move to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from forming a coalition government, the Congress party has reached out to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal United (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar. Sources indicate that the outreach has been conducted through multiple channels, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a former TDP member. While immediate action from the TDP or JDU is not anticipated, Congress views maintaining communication lines as crucial, given the potential for these NDA allies to reconsider their positions in the coming months. A Congress leader mentioned that if a move happens, Nitish and Naidu would likely act together as a ‘package’ within a few months. This development comes as the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, faces an unexpected challenge. With the BJP securing 240 seats, significantly short of their anticipated 400, Modi now navigates the complex path of coalition politics for the first time in his 23-year political career. Political analysts question Modi’s ability to manage allies like Nitish and Naidu, both of whom have previously exited the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sources suggest that Naidu may leverage this opportunity to demand a special financial package for Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties led by Congress, plans to engage with Nitish and Naidu either immediately or within the next six months, potentially leading to a significant political shift. Modi’s post-election speech highlighted the BJP’s historic win in Odisha and notable gains in Telangana. The NDA also made inroads into Andhra Pradesh with the help of its allies TDP and Jana Sena. The BJP celebrated opening its account in Kerala for the first time with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi’s win in Thrissur. However, setbacks in key states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan loom large. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP’s dominance waned as the Samajwadi Party claimed 37 out of 80 seats, a stark contrast to the BJP’s previous tally. West Bengal also delivered a blow, with the Trinamool Congress retaining 29 out of 42 seats, reducing BJP’s count to 12 from 18. Similarly, in Rajasthan and Karnataka, Congress made significant inroads, capturing several seats from the BJP.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2024: Key Insights and Analysis

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The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, along with the counting of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, is taking place today (June 4). The Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh were held on May 13. There are 175 Assembly constituencies in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly with 29 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another 7 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The term of the present Andhra Pradesh Assembly is from June 12, 2019 to June 11, 2024. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chandrababu Naidu and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy are the two main political parties in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress are the other important parties in the state.Key candidates in Andhra Pradesh include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP), N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Pawan Kalyan (JSP), Killi Kruparani (Congress), Dharmana Prasada Rao (YSRCP), and others.Key constituencies in Andhra Pradesh include Pulivendula, Kuppam, Pithapuram, Mangalagiri, Hindupur, Vijayawada West, Narasannapeta, Srikakulam, Tekkali, Gajuwaka, Undi, Gannavaram (Krishna), Atmakur, Proddatur, and Jammalamadugu. Andhra Pradesh recorded 80.66 per cent of voting in the Assembly Election 2024, which was 80.39 per cent in the Assembly Election 2019.In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election, the YSRCP emerged victorious with a massive 151 seats and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. The incumbent TDP managed to win just 23 seats. The JSP won a single seat while neither the BJP nor the Congress couldn’t open their account. To form the government in Andhra Pradesh, every party or coalition must reach the majority mark in the Legislative Assembly. The majority mark in each state Assembly depends upon the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of a particular state. The majority mark in any state is half of the number of total Assembly seats plus one more seat. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has 175 seats and the majority mark is 88.