In a major pre-election push to shore up support from a key demographic, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday announced a significant hike in monthly pensions for elderly citizens, disabled individuals, and widowed women, raising the amount from ₹400 to ₹1,100. The move, likely to impact over 1.09 crore beneficiaries across the state, comes just months ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. At the same time, political tensions intensified as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering sharp responses from the ruling NDA.
Nitish’s pre-poll pension promise
Taking to X, Nitish Kumar said the increased pension amount would be credited from July, and the state government would ensure that the funds are transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts by the 10th of every month. He described the elderly as “a precious part of society” and emphasized that ensuring their dignified living is a top priority for his government.
The announcement is seen as a strategic electoral move by the JD(U)-led government to win over senior citizens and vulnerable sections ahead of the assembly polls scheduled later this year. Nitish Kumar added, “The state government will continue to make efforts in this direction,” suggesting more welfare measures may follow.
The pension hike under the Social Security Pension Scheme is a substantial increase — nearly tripling the current monthly assistance — and is likely to influence voter sentiment, especially in rural and low-income segments. The opposition has, however, called the move a clear attempt to sway voters ahead of the elections.
PM Modi’s visit and Tejashwi’s backlash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Siwan on Thursday marked his fifth trip to Bihar this year, signaling the BJP’s high-stakes focus on the state. Modi launched and laid the foundation for projects worth over ₹5,200 crore, asserting that a strong platform for Bihar’s rapid progress has been laid through Nitish Kumar’s governance.
“The BJP and its alliance partners will restore Bihar’s ancient glory and make it a powerful engine of a developed India,” Modi said, addressing a public rally. His remarks positioned the NDA’s campaign around development and long-term transformation.
However, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav countered with a fiery response, calling Modi a “pickpocket” and accusing the NDA of misusing public funds to mobilize crowds for political rallies. At a press conference, Yadav said, “We do not want a prime minister who is a pickpocket,” alleging that BJP’s crowd-gathering methods amounted to the theft of public resources.
His comments sparked sharp criticism from the ruling alliance. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary likened Yadav’s remarks to film dialogues, saying, “Just like Amitabh Bachchan had ‘Mera Baap Chor Hai’ written on his hand in a movie, something similar is happening with Tejashwi.” He also took a dig at Tejashwi’s father and former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav, referencing his conviction in the fodder scam cases.
Several NDA leaders condemned the RJD leader’s language, saying it reflects the opposition’s desperation and marks a deterioration in political discourse.
As Bihar heads into election mode, welfare promises and personal barbs have both taken center stage, setting the tone for a bitterly fought contest between the ruling NDA and the opposition alliance.
