Strengthen federal structure: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday pitched for strengthening the federal structure of the nation as enshrined in the Indian Constitution so that the country could progress on the path of development.

Nitish advocated for improved Centre-State relations, saying, that the federal system has never worked properly in the country. "While the state government has its own powers, the central government has its own. The Constitution takes care of the freedoms of the state as well as the responsibilities of the Centre. Hence, the more strengthened the federal structure, the more powerful the country will be."

Nitish's comments were seen in the backdrop of the recent face-off between the government of West Bengal and CBI over which the state government and Centre took opposing positions.

He further said that legislature, executive and judiciary, all have their own rights and duties as per the Constitution of India and are answerable for its execution. "Political parties may have their own ideologies and programmes, and they work accordingly. However, each should have a commitment towards the Constitution of the nation," the Bihar CM said, while inaugurating the newly constructed "Central Hall" at Bihar Legislature on Wednesday.

Sources said Bihar is the only state to have a Central Hall, on the lines of the one in Parliament. "Just like the Central Hall of Parliament, where present and former MPs rise above party lines and hold talks and discussion, I hope in Bihar too, we will be able to see a similar environment. I have faith that the legislators in the state will maintain a harmonious environment here too," he said.

Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon will address a joint session of the Bihar legislature on the first day of the Budget Session in the Central Hall on February 11. Officials said all joint sessions will now be held in the Central Hall as well as special seminars and symposiums etc.