PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday accused the Union government of treating Bihar in a “stepmotherly” manner over flood relief, and criticised Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union ministers from the state for failing to secure central assistance for those hit by the deluge.
Scale of the disaster
Yadav said more than 48 lakh people in 15 districts remained affected by the floods, although water levels in most rivers have begun to recede. He named Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai and Araria as the worst-affected districts.
Demand for central action
The RJD working president said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7, urging that the floods be declared a “national disaster” and that immediate financial assistance of ₹5,000 crore be provided to the state. Yadav told reporters he had not received any response to the letters he had sent to the prime minister and the chief minister.
“Whenever there are floods in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives quick assurances of relief, talks to state leadership and directs deployment of relief forces, including the Indian Air Force. However, there is a stepmotherly treatment towards Bihar, where he comes during election campaigns and eats 'litti chokha',” Yadav said.
Political criticism and accountability
In his remarks, Yadav alleged that leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had failed to deliver on flood relief. He said that despite several Union ministers hailing from Bihar, none had used their influence to obtain urgent central help for the state.
Yadav also criticised the Bihar government, asserting that the “engines of the 'double-engine' government in Bihar have failed.” He questioned how often the chief minister spoke to the prime minister and why that had not translated into central assistance during the crisis.
Humanitarian and governance concerns
The accusation of a delay or denial in central support raises questions about coordination between the state and the Centre in disaster response. With lakhs affected and rivers receding only gradually in some areas, officials and civil society groups typically seek rapid deployment of relief material, temporary shelters, drinking water, medical camps and restoration of connectivity.
Yadav’s call for a national disaster declaration and substantial immediate funding follows standard practice where states ask the Centre for financial assistance beyond state capacity for large-scale calamities. Such a declaration can unlock larger funds, central agency support and, in certain cases, the involvement of armed forces for rescue and relief operations.
- People affected: 48 lakh+
- Districts reported affected: 15
- Worst-affected districts named: Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Araria
- Relief sought: National disaster tag and ₹5,000 crore
Official responses and next steps
The RJD leader’s statements demand an official response from the Centre and the state government on whether the request for a national disaster declaration has been processed and on the status of any central assistance. The Bihar government is expected to provide damage assessments and claims to the Centre, which are prerequisites for national-level aid. Yadav said he had not yet received responses to his letters, signalling that political pressure may intensify until there is clarity on assistance.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| People affected | 48 lakh+ |
| Districts affected | 15 |
| Districts listed as worst hit | Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Araria |
| Relief requested | National disaster declaration; ₹5,000 crore |
For communities on the ground, immediate concerns are shelter, food, safe drinking water and sanitation. Longer-term needs include rehabilitation of housing, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and restoration of livelihoods. The progress of central and state-level responses will determine how quickly those needs are met.
Political debate over the adequacy and timeliness of relief is likely to continue in the coming days as parties press for visibility and action while flood-affected residents await assistance.
