As Bihar gears up for Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, 2025, Tejashwi Yadav, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Chief Ministerial candidate for the opposition INDIA bloc, has announced a series of significant promises aimed at bolstering support among Panchayat representatives and self-employed individuals in the state.
Addressing supporters in Patna, Yadav declared that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the allowances of representatives of Bihar's Panchayati Raj institutions would be doubled. This move is expected to benefit a large network of locally elected representatives who wield considerable influence, particularly in rural constituencies.
In addition to doubled allowances, Yadav pledged to introduce a pension scheme for former Panchayat and Gram Kachari representatives. Further sweetening the deal, he promised a ₹50 lakh insurance cover for local representatives. These measures aim to provide financial security and social safety nets for those serving at the grassroots level of governance.
Recognizing the importance of Public Distribution System (PDS) distributors, Yadav also announced a substantial increase in their per-quintal margin money. This decision is likely to resonate positively with fair price shop owners, who play a crucial role in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations.
Beyond promises for Panchayat leaders, Tejashwi Yadav has also focused on the self-employed sector. He stated that individuals engaged in traditional occupations such as pottery, blacksmithing, and carpentry would be eligible for interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh to expand their businesses. This initiative seeks to provide financial assistance and promote the growth of traditional industries in the state.
Yadav asserted his confidence in the voters of Bihar, stating, "People of Bihar gave them 20 years; we are only asking for 20 months, and I have full faith in people that this time there will be a change and the government will also change". He also claimed that the Mahagathbandhan would accomplish more in 20 months than the current government has in 20 years.
These promises come as Bihar's political landscape is heating up, with the NDA striving to retain power against the INDIA bloc. The NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). The INDIA bloc includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).
However, Tejashwi Yadav's promises have faced criticism from the ruling NDA. Leaders have accused him of making hollow promises and questioned the feasibility of his commitments. Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticized Yadav's promise to bring change in just 20 months. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also taken veiled swipes at Yadav, accusing him of trying to mislead women with hollow promises.
Despite the criticism, Yadav remains steadfast in his promises. He has also pledged government jobs for every family within 20 months and ₹30,000 annually for women. He has criticized the NDA government and vowed to bring development to Bihar if the INDIA bloc wins power.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Tejashwi Yadav's promises will resonate with voters and propel the INDIA bloc to victory. The outcome of the election will significantly impact the future of Panchayati Raj institutions, self-employed individuals, and the overall development trajectory of Bihar.
