Tejashwi Yadav accuses the Nitish Kumar government of misusing Rs 225 crore in the Mahila Samvad campaign.
Patna, April 19, 2025: As election fever intensifies in Bihar. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JDU, alleging massive misuse of public funds under the guise of the newly launched ‘Mahila Samvad’ campaign.
Speaking to the media persons at the RJD office in Patna. Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the state government is running an election campaign with taxpayer money, accusing the ruling party of indulging in corruption and financial irregularities.
“The Nitish Kumar government has ordered digital chariots worth Rs 225 crore in the name of Mahila Samvad. This is nothing but electioneering disguised as a government scheme.” Said Yadav.
Tejashwi Yadav alleged misuse of funds:
He claimed that 600 such election chariots have been ordered, funded by the Rural Development Department, which allegedly spent Rs 2.25 billion on what he termed a politically motivated yatra. He also pointed out that the name of the CM’s outreach journey was changed multiple times, raising suspicion about its intent.
Tejashwi Yadav further alleged that since December 2024, 6 to 7 cabinet meetings have resulted in the approval of Rs 76,622 crore worth of projects, most of them related to construction concerns over hasty tendering and possible kickbacks. “Ministers are reportedly getting a 30% commission from departmental projects. These funds are being funneled to cover election expenses. Tenders are being rushed, and local contractors are being overlooked in favor of outsiders, “he claimed.
On December 19 alone, he pointed out, Rs 1,949 crore worth of schemes were cleared, describing it as part of a broader plan to drain the treasury before polls. Yadav also flagged the growing debt crisis, stating that Rs 25,000-30,000 crore is paid annually as interest amounting to 8-9% of the state’s loan burden.
Government’s Perspective:
Outreach to 2 Crore Women: The Nitish Kumar government insists the Mahila Samvad campaign is a state-wide women empowerment initiative aiming to connect with 2 crore women.
Launched on April 18, the campaign involves 600 events on Day 1 alone. It will organize 70,000 programs over the next 60 days, with 600 special vehicles traveling to villages for direct engagement and participation from over 1.35 lakh Jeevika women, underlining grassroots mobilization.
The government claims it is a historic outreach initiative designed to amplify women’s voices and connect them with welfare schemes and self-help programs, not a political stunt
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EOM.