For two decades, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been the cornerstone of Bihar's governance. Now, striving to win the assembly elections for the fifth consecutive time, he embraces Kejriwal's 'free seed model'. Nitish Kumar has initiated a series of enticing promises, increased pensions for women, and announced one crore jobs. Recently, he declared that up to 125 units of electricity will be free.
This strategic move by Nitish Kumar is considered a masterstroke for the NDA ahead of the assembly elections. The big question now is whether Nitish can conquer the political battle in Bihar with his 'free seed politics'.
Free electricity up to 125 units in Bihar
Nitish Kumar announced that from August 1, 2025, starting from the July bill, all domestic consumers in the state will not have to pay for up to 125 units of electricity. This move will benefit 167 lakh families in the state. The Chief Minister also stated that within three years, with the consent of all these households, solar energy plants will be installed on rooftops or nearby public sites.
Under the Kutir Jyoti Scheme, the state government will cover the full cost of installing solar energy plants for extremely poor families. The government will also provide appropriate support for others. Consequently, domestic consumers will not incur costs up to 125 units of electricity, and approximately 10,000 megawatts of solar energy will be available in the state over the next three years.
Nitish's full bet on half the population
Amid rising assembly election tensions, Nitish Kumar has made significant moves to woo women voters. Last month, Nitish Kumar announced an increase in pension amounts. Previously, elderly, disabled, and widowed women received 400 rupees per month as a pension. This amount has now been increased to 1,100 rupees per month, affecting 1.11 crore people. Strategically, Nitish has laid traps to ensure these votes swing in his favor.
The Chief Minister also announced that pension money will be dispatched by the 10th of every month. On July 8, the government decided that only Bihar's women will receive 35% reservation in state government jobs. This move aims to secure his core voting base, as women have played a crucial role in his victories in the last four elections.
Out of approximately 8 crore voters in Bihar, 3.72 crore are women. These female voters are Nitish's actual strength. Rivals like Tejashwi have been eyeing this voter base, prompting pension increases and job reservations for women.
Promise of one crore job opportunities for youth
In a bid to return to power, the opposition has been wooing Bihar's youth with employment agendas. In response, Nitish Kumar has become proactive. Recently, he announced financial support ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 rupees per month for internships undertaken by those who have completed their 12th, ITI, and graduation. Moreover, he made a strategic move by announcing the creation of one crore jobs, surprising opposition parties.
On Tuesday, under Nitish's leadership, the cabinet approved a labor department proposal. By 2030, the state plans to provide one crore jobs and employment opportunities for youth through a 12-member committee chaired by the chief secretary. These jobs will be in the government, semi-government, private sector, and self-employment fields, emphasizing skill development, startups, MSMEs, and infrastructure projects.
Nitish's strategy deemed a masterstroke
Nitish Kumar's strategic promise of one crore jobs, focused on winning over women and elderly voters, could be a game-changer. Facing seat reductions in the 2020 election, he is determined not to repeat past mistakes. Knowing that a similar setback might cost him the reign, he has flooded the electorate with an array of people-friendly promises. His goal is clear: to secure the 2025 electoral victory by ensuring women's, elders', and youth's support. Yet, whether he can outmaneuver Tejashwi Yadav and upend the NDA’s strategy remains to be seen.
