Amid Seat-Sharing Tensions, Tejashwi’s New Promises — Permanent Jobs for Jeevikas, Women’s Welfare
As Bihar’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has unveiled a fresh set of promises aimed at consolidating his party’s voter base. Amid ongoing seat-sharing tensions within the opposition INDIA bloc, Tejashwi’s latest announcements focus on two critical constituencies — women and grassroots workers.
The RJD heir has pledged permanent government jobs for jeevikas (women community health workers) and a slew of women-centric welfare schemes, signaling a strategic push to counter the BJP-led NDA’s dominance in Bihar.
Seat-Sharing Stalemate and RJD’s Gambit
The INDIA alliance, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, has been grappling with internal disagreements over seat distribution. While the RJD insists on contesting the lion’s share of Bihar’s 40 Lok Sabha seats, allies like the Congress are pushing for a more equitable arrangement.
Against this backdrop, Tejashwi’s promises appear timed to reinforce the RJD’s standalone appeal, especially among key voter segments that have historically backed the party.
By targeting jeevikas — who have been at the forefront of Bihar’s healthcare system but remain contractual employees — Tejashwi is tapping into a long-standing grievance.
“These women are the backbone of rural healthcare, yet they’re denied job security. We will regularize their services if voted to power,” he declared at a rally in Patna.
The move could resonate deeply with over 4 lakh anganwadi and ASHA workers, a politically influential group that has staged protests in the past demanding better wages and permanent status.
Women’s Welfare: A Core Campaign Pillar
Tejashwi’s second major promise revolves around expanding women’s welfare schemes, including:
✔ Financial Assistance: A proposed monthly stipend of ₹2,000 for unemployed women graduates.
✔ Skill Development: Free vocational training in tailoring, handicrafts, and IT.
✔ Safety Measures: Strengthening Mahila Police Volunteers and fast-tracking courts for crimes against women.
The RJD’s emphasis on women voters is no coincidence. In the 2020 Bihar elections, women’s turnout surpassed men’s, and their support was pivotal in the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan’s strong performance.
By contrast, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promises like 35% reservation for women in jobs. Tejashwi’s pitch seeks to exploit this disillusionment.
Political Calculus and Challenges
While Tejashwi’s promises are politically astute, their feasibility remains in question. The RJD is not in power in Bihar, and even if the INDIA bloc wins nationally, fiscal constraints could hinder implementation.
Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has dismissed the announcements as “empty rhetoric,” arguing that the state lacks funds to regularize contractual workers en masse.
The BJP, meanwhile, has countered by highlighting central schemes like PM Matru Vandana Yojana and Ujjwala LPG subsidies.
“Tejashwi is recycling old promises. The NDA has already empowered women through direct benefit transfers,” said BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand.
The Road Ahead
With elections looming, Tejashwi’s dual focus on jeevikas and women voters underscores the RJD’s attempt to position itself as the champion of Bihar’s marginalized.
However, the success of this strategy hinges on:
- Alliance Unity: Can the INDIA bloc resolve its seat-sharing disputes in time?
- Credibility: Will voters trust Tejashwi’s promises after the RJD’s previous mixed governance record?
As Bihar braces for a high-stakes electoral battle, the fight for the state’s soul will be waged on the twin fronts of welfare and identity—and Tejashwi is betting big on his latest guarantees.
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