Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar held his first show of strength in New Delhi Sunday seeking special status for the state but also underlining that he is set to play a decisive role in the general elections of 2014. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of an estimated 50,000 supporters at the Adhikar Rally at Ramlila Maidan,Nitish said the JD(U) could no longer be ignored,and hinted that his doors were open to any alliance. Either you (the Centre) give it (special status) now or after 2014,you will have to give it. You will have to accept the demand in circumstances that will prevail after 2014. Only one who feels about the backwards,the backward states will occupy the seat of power in Delhi. We do not have to see either to the left or to the right. We have to look straight. The government in Delhi should be such which looks after our interests. Coming in the wake of BJP prime ministerial aspirant Narendra Modis similar pitch in Delhi,selling his pro-development credentials,Nitish clearly put himself at par,and apart. We will leave everyone behind. There is talk of a development model these days. We will present a model before the world. This is the model under which everybody is taken along. This is the real development model for India. At the same time,in his 20-minute speech,Nitish refrained from harsh attacks on other parties. Keeping his focus on seeking Bihars inclusion in the special category for states,he stressed his role as more a kingmaker than one vying for power at the Centre. His general refrain about backward states also appeared to be directed at others such as Orissa and West Bengal seeking special status. While giving the Centre credit for hinting at a change in criteria for judging a state backward,indicated in the Budget speech of Finance Minister P Chidambaram,Nitish said this should be implemented soon. If the Centre procrastinated in giving the state special status,people from Bihar were ready for battle,he added. A resolution passed at the public meeting also sought urgent implementation of the commitment in the Budget speech. We seek timebound action. We resolve to continue our struggle till this quest for special status is attained, said the resolution. Citing instances of Bihar being ignored,the CM asked why while the state had got relief for victims of Kosi floods,no money had been given for reconstruction or rehabilitation. We knocked on every door,from that of the Prime Minister to the Planning Commission. What is the fault of Biharis? Why does Bihar not get the assistance? We are not begging for something. We are seeking our rights. Does Bihar not have a right to develop? he said. The banners fluttering at the venue as well as held aloft by supporters made another thing clear: that Nitish was the undisputed leader of the JD(U). It was he whom the assembled supporters cheered,to the sound of drum beats and conch shells,with other party leaders only forming the backdrop.
