Tejashwi Yadav’s Big announcement: Promises Rs 50 lakh insurance for panchayat leaders, increases …

Patna: With less than 14 days left for the high-voltage Assembly polls, the political movement and poll promises have intensified in the state. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday made a major poll promise on behalf of the INDIA bloc. He announced a series of welfare promises for the state’s Panchayati Raj representatives and Public Distribution System (PDS) distributors. Addressing a press conference in Patna, the RJD leader stated that if Opposition’s Mahagathbandhan is voted to power, “We will double the allowances of representatives of the state’s Panchayati Raj system.” Yadav also announced that if India(BHARAT) bloc comes into power in Bihar it will give a pension scheme and a Rs 50 lakh insurance cover for panchayati raj representatives.

“Representatives of panchayats and Gram Kachahari (village courts) had been demanding pension benefits. We have decided that they will receive a pension. They would also enjoy a Rs 50 lakh insurance coverage. We will also hike the margin of those working as part of the public distribution network,” Yadav announced.

In another major assurance, Yadav said that “substantial increase in per-quintal margin money of PDS distributors” will be implemented under Mahagathbandhan governance.

Yadav also promised interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh for those who work as pottery, blacksmithing and carpentry, stating that Bihar is eager for change.

“People are fed up with the incumbent government. Bihar’s people will bring change. People gave them (NDA) 20 years. We just want 20 months. We will work towards making Bihar the Number 1 state,” Yadav said.

Yadav also took a potshot at NDA over its claim of rifts in the Mahagathbandhan. “Mukesh Sahani and I are campaigning together. (Congress leaders) Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will also come. A meeting was held to discuss the alliance’s manifesto,” he said.

It is to be noted that the announcement from the INDIA Bloc comes less than two weeks before the Assembly elections, which will be held in two phases –  on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14.

The promises seem aimed at gaining support of local elected representatives and fair price shop owners who hold major influence in rural areas.

Notably, Tejashwi Yadav’s remark is the latest populist promise by the Opposition as it tries to end NDA’s 10-year rule in Bihar.