Further, Biharis have contributed immensely to the economic growth of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Without labour from Bihar and other north Indian states, would it have been possible to undertake the huge construction work in Mumbai and other parts of the country? Haven’t masons and labourers from Bihar contributed in building the skyscrapers that Mumbai today boasts of? You welcome migrants when their labour and skill are needed. And once economic growth is achieved, you turn them into hate figures. Is this fair?

I accept that the backwardness of Bihar and the eastern region is a key factor that leads people to migrate to other parts of the country in search of employment. But that’s not the whole truth. There are social factors too. However, economic growth of Bihar in particular and the eastern region in general is the need of the hour to end regional imbalances.

For a long time, Bihar has been asking for a special economic package from the Centre. The state has always suffered from a development deficit due to lopsided economic policies of the Centre.

Bihar and the eastern region need special attention and care to catch up with the rest of the country. It is very essential for the country too. India cannot hope to become developed, peaceful and prosperous if the eastern region lags behind.

Ever since my government came to power in the state, we have been pressing for the economic package. In 2004, both the President and the Union Finance Minister, in their speeches during the Budget session, talked about it. But sadly, even after five years it has not come.

... contd.