The CPI(M) has been consistent in its opposition to the division of Bihar, because creation of a separate Jharkhand state consisting of 18 districts of South Bihar is neither in the interest of the tribals nor the rest of Bihar. In fact, North and South Bihar are complementary to each other and together constitute a most viable and promising economic entity likely to outshine any other region of the country. Besides, re-organisation of states on linguistic basis represented a legacy of the national movement. In 1957, the SRC found the present Bihar to be economically viable and reflecting the linguistic and cultural aspirations of the people as well. In fact, then the non-tribal masses of the South Bihar itself unambiguously opted for a united Bihar. It is strange now that the very same non-tribal elite of South Bihar are in the forefront of the movement for the creation of a separate Jharkhand. If, we link this phenomenon with the fact that the tribals constitute less than 33% of total population of Chhotanagpur and Santal Parganas, then the obvious comes out in sharp relief – that this state is being created to serve the interests of local non-tribal vested interests. A practcial and effective solution to the problem of tribal development was the creation of autonomous council with special powers and safeguards for the tribal people. Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council was created but was not allowed to function democratically with sufficient powers and authority in matters related to development. The state government’s failure to hold its election despite our Party’s repeated demands further eroded its credibility in the eyes of the people, thus paving the way for the creation of separate state. This situation has helped BJP in implementing its Hindutva agenda and extend its influence in the area.

This dharna was attended by over a thousand activists drawn from vairous districts of Bihar. Com. Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi addressing the dharna said that even in the last assembly elections, the people had defeated the proposals of separate state NDA and vested in favour of maintaining the unity of Bihar. The state of Bihar is a natural unit and in post-independence period huge amounts were spent in mineral rich South Bihar to develop its industrial infra-structure, while the agricultural infra-structure development of north Bihar suffered. All this could go on because the people of Bihar always visualised Bihar as it stands now. Com.Vidyarthi demanded that, those who spoke against the division of Bihar sought mandate in the last assembly elections against the division of Bihar have turned their back on their promises to the people for opportunistic reasons and succumbed to the blackmail of the Congress. The BJP, he said would be the biggest gainer if a separate Vanachal or Jharkhand is created. Its like offering a state on platter to the BJP to implements its communal agenda. He reiterated that the CPI(M) will continue to oppose this move of dividing the state both inside and outside the assembly and parliament.