The ruling Grand Alliance in Bihar mounted further pressure on the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre by asking it to clarify whether it is willing to grant special category status to Bihar. This demand comes in light of findings from a recent caste survey, which identified 94 lakh families with a monthly income below Rs 6,000 and 64,000 families without land and houses. The state government plans to undertake a number of welfare measures for these deprived families, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 2.50 lakh crores over the next five years. Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav reminded PM Narendra Modi about his commitment to grant special category status and special financial package during an election rally in the state. Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary emphasized the relevance of this demand and called for the inclusion of two amendment bills to increase reservation from 50% to 65% in government jobs and educational institutions in the ninth schedule of the Constitution, in order to make them immune to legal scrutiny. Choudhary also mentioned the provision for granting special assistance in the NITI Ayog’s mandate, suggesting the possibility of receiving special assistance if special category status is not granted.