Bihar is heading towards assembly elections later this year, and political parties are gearing up, making numerous promises to attract voters. In a recent move, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a substantial increase in social assistance pensions. This has drawn immediate criticism from Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition, who accused the government of replicating RJD’s strategies. Yadav claimed that the pension increase was a result of the government’s ‘tension’ due to the anticipated success of the Mahagathbandhan government.
Speaking to the media, Tejashwi Yadav said that Nitish Kumar increased pensions due to election pressure, accusing the government of following suit. He elaborated that the impending Mahagathbandhan government was causing them ‘tension,’ and the NDA was subsequently copying the RJD’s declarations. He firmly stated that the NDA was imitating their policies.
Tejashwi Yadav stated that the Chief Minister increased the pension amount because of the RJD’s pressure, highlighting their earlier proposal for increasing the social security pension. He showcased videos to emphasize the RJD’s previous demands, which focused on incorporating the pension increase in the budget. ‘We announced this 7 months ago, constantly requested the government, and asked to include our announcements in the budget. We repeatedly stated that we would compel this government to increase pensions, and we have done it,’ he said.
Furthermore, Tejashwi Yadav did not hold back in criticizing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting that the CM was detached. He attacked the two Deputy Chief Ministers. He contended that the BJP would utilize Nitish Kumar only for electoral purposes and would discard him post-elections.
The Nitish Kumar government had earlier announced the increase in social assistance pensions. Under this scheme, widows, senior citizens, and those with disabilities will now receive ₹1100 per month, up from ₹400. This decision will affect around 10.9 million beneficiaries, with the increased amount to be distributed by the 10th of each month from July onwards.