After 20 years in power, Bihar strongman copies opposition promises as assembly polls loom
Patna – In a dramatic reversal of his anti-freebie stance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a mega populist package worth thousands of crores on Sunday, desperately attempting to counter opposition promises ahead of assembly elections.
The longest-serving CM, who previously criticized welfare schemes as fiscally irresponsible, unveiled 125 units of monthly free electricity for all consumers – a direct response to the opposition’s 200-unit promise that had gained significant traction among voters.
Kumar’s panic-driven announcements include ₹25,000 tablet allowances for over 10,000 Vikas Mitras, ₹10,000 smartphone grants for 30,000 Shiksha Sevaks, and ₹5,000 clothing allowances for 16 lakh construction workers. Transportation allowances for Vikas Mitras jumped from ₹1,900 to ₹2,500 monthly, while stationery allowances increased from ₹900 to ₹1,500.
The opposition INDIA bloc criticized the announcements, claiming they were diluted versions of their own electoral promises. Opposition leaders questioned why these welfare measures weren’t implemented earlier during Kumar’s long tenure.
The comprehensive package also includes enhanced honorariums for Jeevika, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, reflecting the government’s focus on grassroots welfare. Vikas Mitras will receive increased transportation and stationery allowances to support their community outreach work among SC/ST populations.
Kumar defended the initiatives as necessary steps to ensure inclusive development and bridge the digital divide in rural Bihar. The announcements come as political parties gear up for the upcoming assembly elections, with welfare schemes becoming central to campaign strategies across the state
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