Tejashwi Yadav Promises to Double Panchayat Representatives’ Allowances Ahead of Bihar Elections 2025

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav today announced a major poll promise for Bihar's Panchayat representatives, pledging to double their allowances if the INDIA bloc comes to power. The announcement was made on behalf of the Opposition alliance, Mahagathbandhan, just weeks before the state heads to polls.

Major Benefits for Panchayat Representatives and Village Courts

"INDIA bloc, if voted to power, will double the allowances of the representatives of Bihar's Panchayati Raj system," said Yadav, the Chief Ministerial face of the Opposition alliance. Mukesh Sahani, chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and the alliance's Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate, joined him at the press conference.

Yadav elaborated, "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."

Support for Artisans and Small Traders

Beyond Panchayat officials, Yadav outlined assistance for small traders and artisans. "Those in trades such as pottery, blacksmithing and carpentry will receive an interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh to expand their work," he said. Highlighting the need for political change, he added, "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."

Bihar Polls: Key Dates and Contesting Alliances

Bihar will vote on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14. The contest sees the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U), BJP, Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on one side, while the Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD, Congress, Left parties, and VIP form the opposition.

Opposition Unity vs NDA Claims

Addressing claims of rifts within the Mahagathbandhan, Yadav dismissed any discord. "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, adding, "No one sees any issues or problems in the NDA."