Patna: The JDU has hit back at the RJD for its comment regarding its stand on special category status for Bihar and said the JDU had not forgotten the demand and would stick to it.

JDU MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said special category status was not a political agenda for the party. It was a developmental agenda and sooner or later the demand would be met.

After Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ministers resigned from the Union ministry because Andhra Pradesh failed to get special status, the Opposition in Bihar has levelled serious charges against chief minister Nitish Kumar, calling him "a spineless CM" who allegedly compromised with the BJP to remain in power.

"Getting the special category status for Bihar is still the JDU's priority and of chief minister Nitish Kumar. However, we will deal with the issue tactically instead of making it a political issue," Neeraj said.

The JDU, led by Nitish, had launched the intensive campaign and strong pitch to get special category status for Bihar. He also held a Adhikar Rally in Delhi to take a collective pledge to continue their struggle till special category status was accorded to the state.

Nitish had even collected 1.25 crore signatures from Bihar that were sent to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had accused Nitish of mortgaging the "rightful demand of special status" to Bihar in lieu of "special bungalow in Delhi and Z-Plus security" for himself.

Slamming the RJD, Neeraj further said: "We have taken all measures, including the signature campaign and Adhikar Rally. What about the RJD? What have they done so far to get the special category status for Bihar?"

RJD chief Lalu Prasad posted a tweet accusing Nitish of intentionally not willing to get the special status for Bihar.

"In 2003, then chief minister Rabri Devi had demanded special category status for Bihar from then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Patna. He was even ready because Bihar was divided under his regime. But it was Nitish, who as railway minister that time, urged Vajpayee ji to accord the special status. Nitish told him that if the special status is given to Bihar, his (Nitish's) politics will get over and they would never be able to form the government in Bihar. Due to Nitish's narrow mindset and negative thoughts, Bihar lost the opportunity," Lalu tweeted late on Thursday.