"Why should Bihar have any problem with any state getting special package from the Centre", he asked in reply to a question whether West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was coercing the United Progressive Alliance government to announce a special package in lieu of her support to the Presidential candidate.
The Central government, however, should not be allowed to be blackmailed by anybody merely to stay in power, he said without taking Banerjee's name.
The Bihar government has no problem if West Bengal or any other state gets special package to tide over its fiscal problems, Modi said, adding that at the same time the Centre should ensure that Bihar's economic interests should not be compromised.
The Bihar Deputy Chief Minister urged the Centre to consider the state government's demand for assistance of Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) annually under the 12th five-year plan.
Modi lauded the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad for demanding three Central universities for Bihar and said that he should take up the matter with the Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal and the UPA government as he enjoys good rapport with them.
He said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had talks with Sibal on the Central universities issue and hoped that an amicable outcome could be worked out during the second round of discussion to be held shortly.
Image: Sushil Kumar Modi