BJP BETS ON WOMEN'S ROZGAR YOJANA TO SWAY BIHAR POLLS

Bihar's women's Rozgar Yojana has emerged as the latest flashpoint, with BJP showcasing empowerment and Congress alleging vote-buying.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA/ ANAND SINGH

The launch of Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana on Thursday has emerged as the centrepiece of the NDA’s election campaign, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing it as a transformative step for women's empowerment, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed it as a last-minute attempt to “buy votes.”

Under the scheme, Rs. 10,000 has been transferred into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state in what the NDA is projecting as one of its biggest welfare initiatives. Women beneficiaries, many stepping into business for the first time, shared testimonies with the Prime Minister through video link, describing the support as life-changing. Several affectionately addressed Modi as “Bhaiya”, underscoring the personal connect he has forged with women voters in Bihar.