Bihar's Women Empowerment: A Political Tug of War

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has criticized his former deputy, Tejashwi Yadav, accusing him of deceiving women with empty promises related to Jeevika self-help groups. The remarks came in the wake of Yadav's proposal to grant government employee status and increased pay to Jeevika community mobilizers, a promise Kumar claims serves personal interests.

In a social media post, Kumar stated that the people of Bihar had previously given Yadav and his allies a chance to lead, but they prioritized personal gains over public service. The Chief Minister's statements highlight contrasts with his own administration's record of support for women's empowerment, including policies like reservations for women in local governance and government jobs.

Kumar pointed to his government’s achievements, such as financial support for women entrepreneurs and educational funding for girls, emphasizing that Bihar has progressed significantly since 2005. He expressed confidence in receiving women's support in upcoming elections, underscoring the importance of women’s development to the state's future.