Motihari: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has dismissed reports claiming that women will be required to repay the Rs 10,000 aid provided by his government, calling them “rumours” spread by the opposition. Addressing a public gathering in Motihari, Kumar said the money given under the state’s welfare scheme was not a loan and there was “no need to return it.”
Kumar reiterated that the initiative aimed to support women’s financial independence, stating that those who use the initial Rs 10,000 for self-employment could receive up to Rs 2 lakh in future assistance from the government. “We have given this help to women so that they can stand on their own feet. The government will continue to support them,” he said, urging people not to believe misinformation.
During his address, the Chief Minister also appealed to voters to support his party’s candidates in the upcoming assembly elections. He sought votes for Janata Dal (United) candidate Shalini Mishra from the Kesaria constituency and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Sachindra Prasad Singh from Kalyanpur. In his signature style, Kumar raised his hand and took a collective pledge from women in the crowd to support his alliance candidates.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, he accused rival parties of failing to deliver development. “They did nothing when they were in power,” he said, highlighting his government’s record of working for all communities.
Kumar added that his administration had “worked for both Hindus and Muslims,” citing the nationalisation of madrasas and increased security at temples as examples. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The Prime Minister is doing a lot for Bihar.”
Following the rally, JD(U) candidate Shalini Mishra echoed the Chief Minister’s message, asserting that women had seen through the opposition’s “false propaganda.” “The Chief Minister has made it clear that the Rs 10,000 will not be taken back,” Mishra said, adding that women’s trust in the government was evident from their high turnout in the first phase of polling.
