With Bihar heading for assembly elections later this year, political tempers are rising. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent announcement of a three-fold hike in social assistance pensions has sparked a fierce reaction from Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who accused the NDA government of panic-driven politics.

Speaking to the media, Tejashwi claimed, “The Mahagathbandhan is returning, and that’s why Nitish Kumar is in tension. This pension hike is a clear copy of our scheme, done under pressure.” He further alleged that the CM’s move was a desperate attempt to woo voters after the opposition repeatedly demanded pension reform.

“We announced this 12 months ago, demanded it in the Assembly, asked for a separate budgetary provision. We forced the government to act,” said the RJD leader, citing old video clips of his promises and speeches.

Tejashwi didn’t hold back, targeting both the Chief Minister and his deputies. “Nitish Kumar is completely disconnected. His two deputies are either busy hurling abuses at me and my father or making loud, baseless statements,” he said. Taking a swipe at the BJP, he added, “They will discard Nitish after using him for the elections.”

What Nitish Announced
On Saturday, CM Nitish Kumar declared a three-fold increase in pensions under the Social Security Pension Scheme. Widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will now receive ₹1,100 per month instead of ₹400. The raised amount will be disbursed from July 10 and is set to benefit nearly 1.10 crore people across the state.

With the countdown to elections underway, the political war of words is only expected to intensify as parties rush to claim credit for welfare measures.