With Bihar’s high-stakes Assembly elections just around the corner, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav unveiled a landmark promise for grassroots workers, signaling the Opposition’s intent to woo rural voters.
Addressing a press conference today, Yadav, the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan (Opposition alliance), declared: “If the INDIA bloc is voted to power, we will double the allowances of representatives within Bihar’s Panchayati Raj system.” Beside him sat Mukesh Sahani, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and the alliance’s Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate, reinforcing the Opposition’s joint commitment to rural welfare.
Highlighting long-standing demands, Yadav said, “Representatives of panchayats and Gram Kachahari (village courts) have been seeking pension benefits. Under our government, they will not only receive a pension but also enjoy Rs 50 lakh in insurance coverage. Additionally, the margins for those working in the public distribution network will be increased.”
The RJD leader didn’t stop there. He also announced support for traditional artisans and skilled tradespeople: “Those engaged in pottery, blacksmithing, carpentry, and similar trades will receive interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to expand their businesses.”
Stressing the desire for political change, Yadav said Bihar is ready for a new direction: “People are fed up with the incumbent government. Bihar’s citizens have given them 20 years, and now we ask for just 20 months. Our goal is to make Bihar the number one state.”
Bihar voters will head to the polls on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14. The elections pit the ruling alliance led by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), along with the BJP, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, against the Opposition coalition led by Tejashwi Yadav, which includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and VIP.
