Are irregularities in the CM women’s employment scheme being used for vote-buying?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Concerns raised by RJD about fund misallocation.
- Allegations of vote-buying linked to government schemes.
- Official letters provided as evidence by RJD.
- JDU’s defense points out minor errors in implementation.
- Public sentiment and political implications examined.
Patna, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has raised serious concerns, alleging that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana was exploited for vote manipulation during recent elections.
The party contends that funds intended for women were incorrectly deposited into men’s bank accounts, undermining the purpose of the scheme. They are demanding accountability from the state government, presenting official correspondence as proof of their claims.
One such letter, from the Block Project Officer (BPO) of Jale block in Darbhanga district, was addressed to Fekan Paswan of Brahmpur West Panchayat, indicating that Rs 10,000 was erroneously transferred to his account under the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme. The letter requests the immediate return of these funds.
Similarly, another letter notified Nitish Kumar of Ahiyari Panchayat that Rs 10,000 meant for the women-centric initiative had been mistakenly credited to his account, urging him to return it as soon as possible.
In response, the Janata Dal (United) [JDU] has dismissed the RJD's allegations, asserting that Lalu Prasad Yadav’s party is engaging in unnecessary politicization.
JDU spokesperson Abhishek Jha stated that minor errors are inevitable in the execution of extensive government programs, which are generally rectified with appropriate actions taken when necessary. He emphasized that the people of Bihar have effectively rejected the RJD, suggesting that they are trying to stir controversy to regain political relevance.
“The public is well aware of the situation,” he asserted.
This controversy has escalated politically, with the RJD reasserting its claims on the social media platform X, accusing the NDA government of rushing to secure votes.
The RJD pointed out that the ruling alliance’s “anxiety and insecurity” led to these significant errors, resulting in funds meant for women being redirected into men’s accounts. They further claimed that the government is now reaching out to men to recover the Rs 10,000.
Citing the rising issues of inflation, unemployment, and migration in Bihar, the RJD questioned how the government expected to retrieve the funds, arguing that the money has likely already been spent. They reiterated their allegations of electoral manipulation, vote-buying, and rigging.