Kishor criticizes Bihar’s financial aid to women, labeling it a tactic for electoral gain.
Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj and a former political strategist, has expressed strong criticism towards the Bihar government, specifically targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishor has described the recent transfer of Rs 10,000 to women as an “official bribe” aimed at securing votes in the approaching state Assembly elections.
The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes set for November 14. This financial transfer was made on October 3, under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, which intends to support one woman from each family in starting a small business.
Kumar’s administration has framed this payment as part of a broader series of welfare initiatives introduced prior to the elections. In recent months, the Janata Dal (United) government has also increased the stipends for anganwadi workers and helpers, provided up to 125 units of free electricity for consumers, tripled the old-age pensions, and augmented allowances for panchayat representatives and Jeevika workers.
Despite these initiatives, Kishor has alleged that the timing and nature of these measures are politically motivated. He pointed out that the old-age pension had remained stagnant at Rs 400 for two decades, and questioned the sudden increase to Rs 1,100, suggesting that such changes are not genuine improvements but rather election strategies.
Referring specifically to the Rs 10,000 transfer, Kishor stated, “This Rs 10,000 is an officially declared bribe. They are giving it and saying, ‘vote for us’.” He further warned that those who choose to “sell their vote” for this financial incentive might find themselves needing to pay even larger bribes in the future for government services.
During his rallies for Jan Suraaj, Kishor has consistently urged voters to take the money but to remain mindful that a mere cash transfer will not lead to substantial improvements in their lives. He emphasized that genuine progress would require focused efforts on job creation and education for the younger generation.
Jan Suraaj, the political party established by Kishor in October 2024, is gearing up to contest in this year’s elections, advocating for what it claims to be a more sincere approach to governance and electoral integrity.
