North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: The chessboard for the 2025 assembly elections has started being laid in Bihar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is preparing to make his biggest move. There is news that just before the elections, Nitish government can announce a big scheme to deposit Rs 10,000 directly into the accounts of poor women of the state. Political experts are considering this step as a ‘masterstroke’ of Nitish Kumar, whose direct objective is to once again attract his most reliable voters i.e. ‘female vote bank’.
What is this scheme and who will get the benefit?
According to sources, the outline of this scheme is almost ready and it can soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval. Under this scheme, approximately 94 lakh poor families That women will be given direct financial assistance. An amount of Rs 10,000 will be sent to the bank account of one female member of every family. This scheme has been made on the lines of the successful ‘Laadli Brahmin’ scheme of Madhya Pradesh, which had given a big victory to BJP there.
Timing and strategy: everything to choose from
The timing of this scheme is most important. There is a plan to implement it a few months before the assembly elections, so that its impact is directly visible on voting. Nitish Kumar knows very well that women voters have been his biggest strength.
Remember, when Nitish came to power for the first time in 2005, he started a bicycle scheme for girls. This one scheme established his image as ‘Good Governance Babu’ as well as an advocate of women and girls. After this, decisions like giving 50% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj further strengthened this vote bank. The decision to ban liquor also got huge support from women voters.
Will this bet be heavy on the opposition?
Political analysts believe that if this plan comes to ground, it can prove to be a ‘game changer’ in the elections.
- It will directly provide economic benefits to about one crore families.
- This can help in reducing the anti-incumbency wave against the government.
- This will present a big challenge for the opposition led by Tejashwi Yadav, because it will not be easy to find a solution to this plan.
Although some people are linking it with ‘Rev culture’ i.e. free schemes, but for Nitish Kumar it can also prove to be the key to returning to power. Now all eyes are on the cabinet meeting, where this historic decision can be approved.
