The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) is set to launch a major campaign called 'Nitish Samvad' from September 5 in Buxar, aiming to highlight the issues arising from the Farakka Water Treaty and pressure the central government. The campaign will cover 12 districts along the Ganga river in Bihar, with party's national executive president Sanjay Jha leading the initiative alongside state president Umesh Kushwaha and other leaders.

The JDU asserts that the Farakka Barrage and the Ganga water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh have caused significant environmental and economic damage to Bihar over decades. These issues include severe floods during the monsoon season and water scarcity in the summer. With the 30-year Farakka Water Treaty set to expire on December 16 this year, the JDU is pushing the central government not to renew it.

Under 'Nitish Samvad', Sanjay Jha and Umesh Kushwaha will engage directly with people in districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar. The first phase will include programs in Bhojpur, Begusarai, and Khagaria, in addition to Buxar. Party leaders argue that the Farakka Barrage has led to heavy siltation in the Ganga, raising the riverbed and obstructing its natural flow, which results in severe floods in coastal districts during monsoons. Furthermore, the Farakka Water Treaty prevents Bihar from adequately utilizing Ganga's water for irrigation, drinking, and developmental projects, exacerbating both flood and drought cycles.

Bihar government minister and JDU leader Sheela Mandal stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has consistently raised concerns about Farakka, hence the campaign's name. She clarified that the campaign is not aimed at pressuring the BJP, but rather at bringing attention to the problems faced by the people of Bihar and advocating for solutions from the Centre.