Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday launched a strong counterattack on RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, criticising his ambitious welfare promises for women and contractual workers. He particularly took exception to his opponent’s pledges for Jeevika Didis, calling it an attempt to mislead voters over a scheme that has long been a flagship initiative of his own government.
In a long post on X, the the JD(U) supremo wrote, “A few people are pretending to be the well-wishers of Jeevika Didis and the women of Bihar days before the election. The truth is that in the name of ‘Jeevika Didis’, these people are actually searching for their own livelihood. They are making tall promises of bringing the moon and stars for women.”
Without naming former chief ministers Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi, Nitish Kumar stated that the people of Bihar have already given them a chance in the past, but instead of serving the public, their focus was on personal gain. He alleged that during their tenure, the development of women was confined to their own families. The pain, suffering, and the scars of jungle raj that Bihar’s women endured under their rule are no secret.
“Such people must understand that this is not the Bihar of pre-2005. Today, Bihar’s women and daughters are studying, progressing, working in jobs, becoming self-employed, creating employment for others, and making Bihar and India proud. Bihar’s women know very well who has truly worked for their empowerment and dignity,” he said.
“The women of Bihar are once again going to form the NDA government,” he asserted, adding, “We have never forgotten the promise we made to Bihar in 2005. As long as I am here, no force can stop Bihar, especially our women and daughters, from moving forward.”
Reiterating his long-standing commitment to women’s upliftment, Nitish Kumar wrote, “Our government has undertaken numerous initiatives for the empowerment and dignity of Bihar’s women and daughters. We were the first in the country to implement 50% reservation for women in panchayat and urban local body elections. We also introduced a 35% reservation for women in government jobs. A domicile policy for women was implemented, and our government ensured 50% reservation for women in primary teacher recruitment.”
“Our government spends Rs 94,100 on every girl from birth until graduation. We are also providing Rs 10,000 to one woman from every family to start an occupation of her choice. Many women have already begun their own enterprises after receiving this assistance. Furthermore, if their businesses run successfully, they will be provided with additional support of up to Rs 2 lakh,” he added.