As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, both the central and state governments are focused on attracting the youth and women voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a comprehensive set of schemes worth over Rs 62,000 crore, targeted at young people across India, speaking from Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan. For Bihar specifically, the announcements include the establishment of the Karpoori Thakur Skill University, alongside interest-free education loans, and the promise of expanded employment opportunities. The BJP is presenting these as a significant boon for the youth of Bihar.
The NDA government at the center, and the Nitish Kumar-led government in the state, are actively working to gain the support of young people and women before the elections. During a skill convocation event held in Delhi, PM Modi unveiled these plans.
These programs feature the establishment of the Karpoori Thakur Skill University, interest-free education loans, increased scholarship amounts, and the promise of doubling employment opportunities for the youth of Bihar. The Prime Minister emphasized that these initiatives represent a ‘double bonus’ for the youth of Bihar. He also pointed out that GST cuts have made items like motorcycles and scooters cheaper, providing additional benefits for young people.
PM Modi also used the platform to criticize the opposition. He stated that the Congress and RJD had previously damaged Bihar’s education system, causing many students to seek education in other states. In response, the RJD and Congress have characterized these announcements as blatant election promises. Congress leader Akhilesh Singh accused the central and state governments of trying to entice young people and women through a series of schemes launched just before the elections.
However, both the BJP and JDU maintain that these initiatives are not election-related strategies, but rather are designed to benefit the youth and women of Bihar. Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan highlighted the NDA’s emphasis on education, employment, and women’s empowerment. He cited the recent appointment of 2.5 lakh teachers in Bihar, the establishment of new ITIs and skill labs, and the provision of interest-free loans to students.
The BJP suggests that the opposition is visibly concerned, leading to criticism of these schemes. The legacy of Karpoori Thakur, combined with the youth-focused initiatives of PM Modi and CM Nitish, is intended to reach the public directly as an electoral message. It remains to be seen how these collaborative central-state schemes will influence the votes of Bihar’s youth and female voters in the upcoming elections.