Is Tejashwi Right to Accuse Bihar's CM of Copying His Initiatives?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav accuses CM Nitish Kumar of copying health initiatives.
- The incentive for ASHA workers increased to Rs 3,000.
- Mamata workers' incentives rose to Rs 600 per delivery.
- Tejashwi demands proper honorariums instead of mere incentives.
- Nitish government introduces various populist measures.
Patna, July 30 (NationPress) Following the announcement by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar regarding an increase in the incentive for ASHA and Mamta workers, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of merely replicating initiatives he had introduced during his tenure as Health Minister.
In a strongly phrased message on the social media platform X, Tejashwi claimed that this action was a belated and incomplete implementation of his initiatives.
"During my 17-month term as the Health Minister, I had set in motion the process for increasing the incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers, which was at its concluding stage. However, the government and the Chief Minister, as is their custom, opted out. This ineffective NDA administration kept the proposal in limbo for two years. Now, under mounting pressure, they are compelled to act," Tejashwi stated.
He further condemned the government for labeling it an "incentive" instead of a comprehensive honorarium, asserting: "We desire that they receive proper honorariums, not just incentive amounts."
Tejashwi confidently predicted that the current administration will now be obliged to heed his demands for raising the honorarium of Anganwadi workers/helpers and mid-day meal cooks.
Recalling the initiatives led by the RJD during his term, he noted: "We had elevated the honorariums for Vikas Mitras, Shiksha Mitras, Tola Sevaks, Talimi Markaz workers, and representatives of Panchayati Raj."
Taking a jibe at the ruling coalition, he quipped: "Observing our demands, announcements, and commitments, it is amusing to sense the trepidation in this imitative, exhausted, blind, and visionless government. Have they been peeling peanuts for the last two decades?"
Tejashwi concluded his post with a sarcastic remark: "Will you imitate everything from Tejashwi, or will you think independently?"
Previously, the Chief Minister revealed that ASHA workers would now receive an incentive of Rs 3,000, an increase from the previous Rs 1,000, while Mamta workers will now earn Rs 600 per delivery, up from Rs 300.
It is important to note that the Nitish government has unveiled a series of populist measures, inclusive of free electricity, enhanced pensions, and job promises.