Patna, Dec. 21: The possibility of changing parameters for according special status to a state has come as a political boon for the JD(U) leaders.

The party as a whole and chief minister Nitish Kumar in particular have been vociferous for quite some time with special status demand for Bihar.

Even as the party gears up for a rally in New Delhi with their demand, party leaders point out that Union finance minister P. Chidambaram’s Rajya Sabha statement only “vindicates their stand” on the issue.

“The battle has already been half won. Chidambaram has said what Nitish has been saying: ‘change the criteria for special status’,” said JD(U) leader and Nitish’s close confidant Sanjay Jha, stressing that there would be no easing of agitation programmes of the party. Nitish is likely to reassert his demand in the National Development Council meet in Delhi.

Nitish, too, expressed satisfaction over Chidambaram’s statement but added that the fight for the tag would continue.

“This (Chidambaram’s statement) is good news because we are striving for the special status and the Centre has considered to review the criteria. I had a discussion with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding my recent Pakistan trip and (during that dialogue) I had requested him about the special status. I have also discussed the issue with the finance minister. I am happy that the Centre is now talking about certain amendments in the special status criteria,” Nitish said during the launch of Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries website.

Nitish, however, added: “Our struggle for the special status demand would continue. The growth rate of a country keeps fluctuating because of the nation’s dependence on a few developed states. If special status is granted to states which need it, it would mean all-round development of the country and the state. We will achieve what we have pledged for and the struggle for the special status will continue.”

On Thursday, in response to a question of the JD(U) MP, N.K. Singh, Chidambaram said the criteria for giving special status needed to be “revisited”.

“The current criteria for deciding backwardness are based on terrain, population density, international borders, infrastructure among others. I think while these criteria have served the useful purpose, it is perhaps time to revisit these criteria. I think what is important is that no state is left behind, no part of India should be left behind as we move forward. My current thinking is that we should look at the needs under different parameters,” Chidambaram said.

“I will not call it a victory. But it was a very constructive statement. It indicates a change of mindset. From total denial that nothing can be done to accepting the fact that states having below average parameters like per capita income, use of electricity, health among others need a new approach,” Singh told The Telegraph on Friday. He said they could claim victory only after the criteria were actually changed.