India, Feb. 1 -- Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a bunch of schemes for poll-bound Bihar. The announcement was perceived as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s overture towards the state, where it runs a coalition government with its key ally, the Janata Dal United (JDU).

The minister's announcement of green field airports, support for the Western Kosi Canal project and the setting up of a Makhana Board (fox nuts) were welcomed by the JDU. In an interview to HT, party's working president Sanjay Jha spoke about the allocation and why Bihar needs more aid.

Edited excerpts:

Q. Are you satisfied with the announcements?

A. Yes, we are, although there is always an expectation of more. Our party has cons...