Former Bihar Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, stirred a political storm on November 27 by demanding the creation of a Mithilanchal state. The proposal, made during a council session, targeted the Nitish Kumar-led government's silence on regional development issues. Highlighting the importance of the region, Rabri Devi emphasized the inclusion of the Maithili language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, while advocating for Mithilanchal's statehood as a means to ensure equitable progress.

Mithilanchal refers to the northern region of Bihar, where the Maithili language is predominant. The demand for Mithilanchal dates back to 1912, with significant pushes in 1921 and 1952. In recent years, the Mithila Students' Union (MSU) organized a large-scale protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in 2022, drawing political and public attention. Proponents argue that the region, home to over 7 crore Maithili speakers, has been deprived of developmental projects and resources, which are often diverted to the Magadh region.

Rabri Devi’s demand for Mithilanchal rekindles a century-old debate and puts the Nitish Kumar government in a tight spot. As calls for regional equity grow louder, the state must address the grievances of Mithilanchal's people to ensure balanced development.