The proposed Bihar Bhawan in Navi Mumbai has triggered political noise, but leaders from Bihar and Maharashtra say the project serves a clear medical purpose.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam said the plan was being misunderstood and questioned why objections were being raised at all. Speaking in Mumbai, he explained that the Bihar government is funding the project, the Maharashtra government has provided the land, and the facility is meant to help patients coming to Mumbai for cancer treatment.
“The proposed Bihar Bhawan in Navi Mumbai is being built by the government of Bihar, which has allotted a fund of Rs 325 crores. Using that money, Bihar government has bought land from the Maharashtra government. The aim of constructing Bihar Bhawan is to accommodate the large number of cancer patients and their relatives who come to Mumbai for treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital,” Nirupam said.
He added that the arrangement involved cooperation between states and institutions. “The money is being invested by Bihar government, land is being allocated by Maharashtra government, and the treatment is being provided by Tata Hospital, so why is anyone else interfering in this?…” he asked.
The facility is expected to support patients and families visiting Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s largest cancer care centres, where many patients from Bihar seek treatment each year.
‘No reason for objections’: Bihar minister defends project
From Patna, Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar backed the plan, calling it both necessary and welcome.
“This is necessary. Be it Mumbai or other big cities of the country, which are tourist destinations or where people go for availing health facilities, it is a matter of joy that it (Bihar Bhavan) is being built outside the state. No one should have any objection,” he said.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, Kumar said the state government was investing across sectors and accused rivals of ignoring ongoing work. “They do not know that all kinds of arrangements are being made in the state. Be it in the health sector, the education sector, the science sector, the agriculture sector, or the rural development sector, Bihar is working in all sectors,” he said.
He also referred to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ongoing outreach and long-term goals for the state. “CM Nitish Kumar is on a visit, with his understanding during the yatra, he will undertake further work. CM has taken the resolve to make Bihar one of the top 5 states. When that happens, even the Opposition will be able to see…,” Kumar added.