Rabri Devi Heads Opposition Protest, Urges Higher Pensions and Free Electricity in Bihar Budget

Synopsis

Ahead of the Bihar budget for 2025-26, Rabri Devi led a protest demanding increased pensions and welfare initiatives including free electricity and LPG subsidies. The RJD criticized the Nitish Kumar government for neglecting these issues during his tenure.

Key Takeaways

Rabri Devi leads Opposition in protest for budget reforms.
Call for pension increase to ₹1,500 for elderly widows.
Proposal for ₹2,500 monthly pension for women of all castes.
Demand for 200 units of free electricity for households.
Criticism of government for delayed pension payments.

Patna, March 3 (NationPress) In anticipation of the 2025-26 Bihar budget announcement, Opposition MLCs, spearheaded by former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, organized a protest at the Legislative Council Portico on Monday.

The RJD-led Opposition criticized the Nitish Kumar administration, demanding the incorporation of essential welfare programs within the budget. Rabri Devi called for an increase in pensions for the elderly and widows.

“The current pension of ₹400 per month should be raised to ₹1,500 for elderly widow citizens,” she stated.

In addition, Rabri Devi proposed a ₹2,500 monthly pension for women across all castes, alongside financial assistance for farmers and households by providing 200 units of complimentary electricity.

“The Nitish Kumar government must allocate funds in the budget to offer LPG cylinders at ₹500 through subsidies, as well as support for women and differently-abled individuals. The Divyang (disabled) pension should be elevated to ₹1,000 per month,” Rabri Devi asserted.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had also criticized the government the day prior, claiming it had neglected to enhance pensions for the elderly and disabled despite Nitish Kumar holding power for 20 years.

He alleged that corruption and mismanagement had depleted the state treasury, resulting in delayed pension disbursements for months. He referenced Lalu Prasad Yadav’s administration when the old age pension was increased from ₹10 to ₹20 as an example of effective governance.

Tejashwi urged the NDA government to adopt the RJD’s 'Mai-Behan Maan Yojana', a direct financial aid initiative for women.

The protests and demands from Opposition parties have set the stage for a contentious Budget Session as Deputy CM and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary prepares to unveil a historical budget exceeding ₹3 lakh crore.

With the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, this budget is viewed as a pivotal pre-election policy document. All attention is now directed towards the announcements the Nitish Kumar government will make to address these demands.