Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday sought to position women at the centre of her party’s Bihar campaign, unveiling a slew of welfare promises. Addressing rallies in Patna and Motahari, she announced ₹2,500 monthly cash transfers for women (₹30,000 annually), 200 units of free electricity, free health insurance worth ₹25 lakh on the lines of Rajasthan, and three to five decimals of land registered in women’s names.
Women Cheer Land Ownership Pledge
The announcement was met with loud applause, particularly from women, with Priyanka stressing that ownership of land would give them real empowerment.
Direct Counter to Modi’s Scheme
Her remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a direct benefit transfer of ₹10,000 to nearly 75 lakh women under a state employment scheme. Priyanka dismissed it as a “pre-election bribe,” urging women to “accept the money but vote wisely.”
Targeting Nitish’s Core Vote Bank
Congress strategists believe these promises could dent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s traditional support among women and Extremely Backward Classes, cultivated through schemes like bicycle distribution and reservations in local bodies.
Battle Ahead in Bihar
With Bihar set for assembly elections later this year, Priyanka’s pitch reflects the Congress’s attempt to re-establish itself in the state’s sharply polarised political landscape.
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