Patna: A day after RJD leader and former deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav promised a Rs 2,500 monthly cash transfer scheme for underprivileged women in Bihar if the opposition alliance came to power in the state in 2025, the ruling NDA launched a scathing attack on him, accusing the RJD of being synonymous with "crime and corruption".
Leading the attack, former JD(U) president and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh slammed the RJD for its governance during the 15-year tenure of Tejashwi's parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. "Why didn't they launch such welfare schemes for women during their rule? Bihar didn't have roads, power, or law and order back then — only the kidnapping industry flourished," Singh said. Reminding the public of the RJD's controversial track record, he said, "This sudden concern for women's welfare is nothing but political opportunism."
LJP (RV) chief and Union minister Chirag Paswan dismissed Tejashwi's promise as hollow, highlighting the RJD's past failures. "The people of Bihar know the reality of the RJD regime. For 15 years, they ignored women's welfare. Now, they are copying successful schemes from NDA-ruled states," Paswan said. He pointed to the RJD's defeat in recent bypolls as proof that voters no longer trust them. "The people have made their decision clear," he added.
Deputy CM and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary accused the RJD of prioritising corruption over governance during its tenure. "Lalu's family looted the state and orchestrated the Rs 950-crore fodder scam. The people of Bihar will never allow them back into power," Choudhary said, warning voters against falling for "false promises".
RLM president and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha ridiculed Tejashwi's scheme, suggesting it was made with no intention of fulfillment. "Tejashwi knows his party won't return to power. Why limit the promise to Rs 2,500? They might as well promise Rs 25,000 as they won't get the chance to deliver," Kushwaha said.
HAM(S) chief and minister Santosh Kumar Suman dismissed Tejashwi's promise as unnecessary, praising the NDA govt's focus on inclusive development. "The NDA has been working for all sections of society. There is no vacancy for the RJD to fill. Tejashwi should focus on contributing meaningfully instead of making empty promises," Suman said.
Tejashwi had promised the scheme would be implemented if the opposition Grand Alliance came to power after next year's assembly elections. Speaking to the reporters on Saturday, he declared the plan as a transformative measure for women in the state.