As the political temperature in Bihar continues to rise ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, the opposition leader, Tejashwi Yadav, made a significant statement in Patna. He declared that if the Mahagathbandhan forms the government after the elections, farmers in Bihar would receive free electricity for irrigation. This announcement came as a part of his commitment to address the concerns of the farming community in Bihar.
Tejashwi emphasized that under his government, the state would provide free electricity to farmers for irrigation purposes. At present, the Bihar government charges farmers 55 paise per unit for irrigation electricity. Tejashwi Yadav assured that this charge would be completely waived under the Mahagathbandhan’s rule. This move is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on farmers who rely on electricity for irrigation, an essential part of agriculture in the state.
Incentives for Farmers and Bonus Announcement
Ahead of the first phase of voting, Tejashwi Yadav further extended his support to farmers by making another crucial announcement. He promised an additional bonus for farmers in Bihar. For paddy, an extra Rs. 300 per quintal would be provided over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Similarly, for wheat, a bonus of Rs. 400 per quintal would be given, also in addition to the MSP.
This announcement was made with the goal of motivating farmers and ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their produce. With Bihar being an agrarian state, where farming is the primary livelihood for a significant portion of the population, these promises were made to address the long-standing issues faced by farmers.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Vision for PACS and Traders
In addition to his promises for farmers, Tejashwi Yadav also made a notable announcement for the PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies) and trade bodies. He declared that, under his government, all PACS and traders’ associations would be granted the status of public representatives. He went on to state that his government would also consider providing honorarium to the workers in the 8,463 PACS operating in Bihar through the Cooperation Department.
This move is expected to empower local cooperative bodies and bring more accountability and transparency in the functioning of these institutions. By granting these bodies the status of public representatives, Tejashwi aims to strengthen the cooperative network, which plays a pivotal role in the rural economy of the state.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Proposal for ‘Mai-Bahini’ Scheme
One of the most significant promises Tejashwi Yadav made was regarding the ‘Mai-Bahini’ scheme, which focuses on women’s welfare. He announced that if the Mahagathbandhan forms the next government, his administration would transfer a lump sum amount of Rs. 30,000 to women’s accounts under the Mai-Bahini scheme. This amount would cover a year’s worth of financial assistance that was originally intended to be provided over the course of the year.
Tejashwi assured the women of Bihar that, should his government come to power, the first installment of this one-year payment would be sent to the bank accounts of women on January 14, 2026. The Mai-Bahini scheme is expected to benefit thousands of women, providing them with financial independence and support.
Political Climate in Bihar Ahead of the Elections
As the election season intensifies, the political landscape in Bihar is marked by the continuous announcements and promises from various political parties. With the first phase of voting set to take place soon, leaders are engaging in intense campaigning to secure voter support. Tejashwi Yadav’s recent promises have further heated up the political battle, with significant emphasis on the welfare of farmers, women, and cooperative institutions.
Tejashwi’s emphasis on free electricity for irrigation, bonus payments to farmers, and the ‘Mai-Bahini’ scheme for women showcases his commitment to addressing the concerns of the common people. These announcements are likely to resonate with a large section of Bihar’s electorate, especially those in rural areas where agriculture and women’s welfare are key issues.
Bihar’s Agricultural Challenges and Tejashwi’s Response
Agriculture in Bihar has long faced numerous challenges, from inadequate irrigation infrastructure to fluctuating market prices. Tejashwi Yadav’s free electricity promise is aimed at addressing one of these challenges: the high cost of irrigation. By eliminating the charge for electricity used in irrigation, the Mahagathbandhan government intends to ease the financial burdens on farmers and make farming more sustainable. The additional bonus on MSP for paddy and wheat is also an effort to ensure that farmers are paid adequately for their hard work and produce.
Tejashwi’s announcements are also aimed at strengthening the economic conditions of Bihar’s farmers, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their crops and making agriculture more profitable. This move is likely to garner significant support from the farming community, which forms a major part of the state’s population.
Impact of the Mai-Bahini Scheme on Women in Bihar
The Mai-Bahini scheme is another strategic move by Tejashwi Yadav to ensure women’s welfare in Bihar. By providing women with a lump sum amount of Rs. 30,000, Tejashwi aims to empower women financially and socially. This scheme is expected to be a major talking point during the election campaign, as it directly addresses the concerns of women in the state. The promise of financial support is likely to appeal to a large number of women voters, especially those from rural areas who may not have access to regular income sources.
Tejashwi Yadav’s recent announcements in Patna reflect his party’s focus on addressing the critical issues faced by farmers, women, and cooperative bodies in Bihar. By promising free electricity for irrigation, a bonus on MSP, and financial aid through the Mai-Bahini scheme, Tejashwi is positioning himself as a leader committed to the welfare of the people of Bihar. As the first phase of voting approaches, these promises are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the elections. The Mahagathbandhan’s commitment to these social welfare measures could make a significant impact on Bihar’s political landscape in the coming days.
