"Centre discriminating against Bihar, state treasury empty": Tejashwi Yadav seeks special package for flood victims

Patna (Bihar) [India], September 12 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday demanded a special financial package from the Union government for flood-affected families in the state, alleging that the Centre is "discriminating" against Bihar.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav launched a scathing attack on both the central and state governments, claiming that Bihar's state exchequer has run dry and that flood victims have been left to fend for themselves without basic amenities.
"The government should provide a special package for flood victims. The central government is discriminating against Bihar. Bihar's state treasury is empty. We are continuously going among the flood victims, and they are not getting any facilities," Yadav said.
Yadav's remarks came amid a flood-like situation triggered by rising water levels of the Ganga across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where ground conditions remained grim on Saturday, even as official data showed a receding trend at most monitoring stations in Bihar.
According to data released by the Bihar Water Resources Department, Ganga levels fell at Allahabad (-0.43), Varanasi (-0.22), Buxar (-0.02), Dighaghat (-0.15), Gandhighat (-0.06), Hathidah (-0.09), Sultanganj (-0.14) and Bhagalpur (-0.12). The Punpun also fell at Fatehpur (-0.19) and Sripalpur (-0.27), as did the Sone at Maner (-0.03). Only Sone in Koelwar showed a marginal rise of 0.01, as per the latest update at 6 AM.
Despite the receding trend in water levels at several monitoring stations, ground conditions in Bihar remained severe for citizens in flood-affected areas.
On NH-80, the swollen Ganga has submerged the NH-80 and a four-lane stretch in Bhagalpur, forcing police and administration to seal it from both ends with barricades.
The flooding has also disrupted movement and affected normal life in several areas, with authorities continuing to monitor water levels and the situation on the ground.
The floods have already claimed lives in the state. Five people, including four children, drowned after falling into water-filled ditches in Koyli Khutaha village of Bhagalpur district, officials and residents said on Friday. (ANI)