Patna December 11, 2024: Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in Bihar, launched a scathing critique of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s upcoming Mahila Samvad Yatra, questioning the allocation of Rs.225.78 crore for the initiative.
The Yatra, scheduled to begin on December 15 from Bagaha in West Champaran and last for 15 days, aims to facilitate dialogue with women and children across Bihar. However, the hefty budget has drawn criticism from opposition leaders.
Tejashwi Yadav claimed the upcoming Yatra of Nitish Kumar is a waste of taxpayers’ money:
Tejashwi Yadav took a job at the expenditure, saying, “Deals are made by money, not dialogue. For communication, it requires love, not money.”
He further questioned, “What kind of dialogue he would do at the expense of RS.225.78 crore?”
Tejashwi Yadav claimed Nitish Kumsr is going for an election picnic:
Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of misusing taxpayer money for what he termed an “election picnic.”
Yadav questioned the justification for such a costly endeavor in a state grappling with chronic challenges.
“Unemployment, inflation, massive migration and rampant corruption have increased drastically in Bihar over the last 20 years. Bihar remains a backward state, yet the Chief Minister of such a state is going on an expense of election picnic,” he said.
Tejashwi Yadav criticized the administration for poor infrastructure planning, with numerous bridges and culverts collapsing, and pointed to recurring incidents of spurious liquor despite the state’s prohibition law. Alleged corruption in smart meter projects is also featured in his critique.
“There is nothing concrete for women and children on the ground, but he is ready to expend billions of rupees through bureaucrats,” Yadav said, underscoring his belief that the yatra is a politically motivated event rather than a meaningful engagement.
The exchange highlights growing tensions in Bihar’s political landscape, with the opposition challenging the prioritization of high-budget initiatives amid ongoing socio-economic challenges.
EOM.