With the first phase of polling in Bihar just days away, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday (November 4, 2025) unveiled a major pre-election promise, announcing that the INDIA bloc government will deposit ₹30,000—equivalent to one year’s honorarium—into women’s accounts under the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana on Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2026) if voted to power.

Speaking at a press conference at his official residence in Patna, the Opposition’s chief ministerial candidate outlined the coalition’s welfare and agricultural roadmap, promising economic justice for women and relief for farmers across the state.

Key poll promises

Tejashwi Yadav said that if the INDIA bloc forms the government in Bihar, the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would be reinstated for state employees, and farmers would receive multiple benefits including:

  • A bonus of ₹300 per quintal on paddy and ₹400 per quintal on wheat, over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP);
  • Free electricity for irrigation;
  • Loan interest waiver for Jeevika Didis; and
  • Insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh for beneficiaries.

He added that the honorarium of ₹2,500 per month under the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana would be credited in a single annual transfer of ₹30,000 to ensure financial stability for women.

“Once we come to power, ₹30,000 for twelve months will be deposited into women’s accounts under the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana on Makar Sankranti, January 14, 2026,” Yadav said, addressing reporters alongside Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, the Deputy Chief Ministerial face of the Opposition alliance.

‘People want change’

Yadav said the overwhelming response received during the campaign reflected a clear sentiment for political change.

“There is great enthusiasm among the women of Bihar for the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana. They are determined that if the Mahagathbandhan government is formed, they will receive economic justice and support,” he remarked.

The RJD leader also stated that heads of all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Primary Marketing Cooperative Societies (Vyapar Mandals) would be accorded the status of people’s representatives if the INDIA bloc assumes power. “There are more than 8,400 PACS in the state,” he added.

BJP counters ‘tall promises’

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp counterattack on the RJD and the Opposition alliance, accusing them of misleading voters with “big promises” ahead of the elections.

Addressing rallies in Samastipur, Gopalganj and Lakhisarai, Adityanath said,

“Those making tall promises today are the same people who robbed Bihar’s youth of jobs and snatched the rights of the poor during their rule two decades ago.”

He asserted that Bihar witnessed an “era of good governance” after Nitish Kumar assumed power in 2005, and accused the RJD of having brought “jungle raj” to the state during its previous tenure.

Political context

The first phase of polling for 121 Assembly seats in Bihar is scheduled for November 6, marking the beginning of a crucial multi-phase election that will determine the state’s political direction.

The INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is challenging the ruling NDA alliance led by the JD(U) and BJP. Both sides have intensified campaigning, with welfare schemes, employment, and governance emerging as central issues.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, Yadav’s announcement seeks to consolidate women and farmer voters—key demographic groups in Bihar’s electoral landscape.