Tejashwi Yadav Vows ₹30,000 Annual Support for Women, Eyes End of 20-Year NDA Rule

Patna, Nov 2025 : On the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav declared that a “massive change” was imminent in the state. Expressing strong confidence in unseating the Janata Dal (United)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, which has been in power for two decades, Yadav unveiled a major financial support plan for women—one that he said would be implemented immediately if his alliance comes to power.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Yadav highlighted the enthusiastic response he has received from women across Bihar regarding the proposed Maa Behan Maan Yojana. Under this scheme, he announced that his government would transfer ₹30,000 annually to every eligible woman’s bank account. “Women told us this will bring them relief during these difficult times of inflation. Our government will be formed on the strength and expectations of our mothers and sisters,” he said. Connecting the commitment with the festival calendar, he added, “Makar Sankranti on January 14 marks a new beginning, and on that day, we will deposit ₹30,000 for the entire year.”

Elaborating further, Yadav said the scheme was designed as an effective shield against rising prices. Beneficiaries would receive ₹1.5 lakh over five years under the plan. He also reiterated the Grand Alliance’s special focus on Jeevika Didis—the members of women’s self-help groups working under the World Bank-funded Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP). These women, he said, formed the backbone of rural livelihoods and deserved structured economic protection.

“We have always said that Jeevika Didis work tirelessly at the government’s direction yet receive no real compensation,” he stated. “We will ensure they get ₹2,000 every month. Along with this, we will waive the interest on loans taken by women and provide ₹5 lakh insurance coverage.”

These commitments, featured prominently in the Mahagathbandhan manifesto, aim to offer comprehensive economic security to women. Yadav argued that empowering women financially is essential for addressing household distress, controlling indebtedness, and boosting rural purchasing power.

With the first phase of voting approaching, Yadav framed the upcoming election as a contest between a “tired 20-year regime” and a “future built on prosperity and dignity for women.” He concluded by asserting that the Mahagathbandhan’s welfare roadmap represents the real aspirations of Bihar’s families, particularly its women, whose support he believes will be decisive at the polls.