Has CM Nitish Kumar's 125 Units Free Electricity Scheme Triggered a Political Storm in Bihar?

Patna, July 17 (NationPress) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar revealed on Thursday a plan to provide 125 units of free electricity each month for every household in Bihar, inciting a mix of accolades and fierce backlash.

The ruling NDA commended the announcement as "historic" and a boon for the underprivileged, while opposition factions accused the state administration of lacking originality and mimicking their initiatives.

In a social media post, CM Nitish Kumar declared that starting from August 1, 2025 -- beginning with the July billing cycle -- domestic consumers in Bihar would benefit from 125 units of free electricity, impacting around 1.67 crore families.

The Chief Minister characterized the program as a stride towards "relief and empowerment" for the populace.

Additionally, he unveiled plans to produce up to 10,000 MW of solar energy in Bihar over the following three years. Solar installations will be placed on rooftops or adjacent public areas with the consent of consumers.

For the most impoverished households, the state will fully subsidize solar panel installations through the 'Kutir Jyoti Yojana', while others will receive partial financial support.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha remarked to IANS, "This is a significant advancement for the impoverished of Bihar. Currently, Bihar has 1.86 crore domestic electricity consumers, of which 1.67 crore will receive free electricity. The remaining 20 lakh consumers will get free electricity up to 125 units, with charges applicable only beyond that."

"Now, 90 percent of Bihar's population will receive free electricity under our administration. This is a remarkable initiative by the double-engine government for the welfare of the impoverished and marginalized communities," he added.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha praised the decision, stating to IANS, "The Chief Minister has made a very historic choice. In Bihar, there are 1.87 crore domestic consumers, and 1.67 crore of them will now benefit from free electricity up to 125 units."

He further mentioned that 56 lakh rural families will receive complimentary solar systems, while other families will have access to solar installations with 50 percent subsidy.

"CM Nitish Kumar had previously committed to delivering electricity to every household, and now that promise has been fulfilled with this monumental decision."

State Minister Jibesh Kumar stated to IANS, "We must recognize that today the Chief Minister has genuinely gifted something special to Bihar's poor and middle-class families. I want to express gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Bihar NDA government for consistently providing beneficial initiatives to Bihar. First, social security pensions were raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1100, and now, today marks a historic occasion as Bihar's poor and middle-class families receive substantial advantages."

Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary labeled the decision as "one of the most significant" in favor of the underprivileged.

"As you know, typical poor households generally consume around 100-125 units of electricity using just two or three bulbs and a few fans. The Chief Minister has declared that consumers using up to 125 units will not incur any charges. This measure is designed with the poor in mind. This is a gift for them," he informed IANS.

JD(U) Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad lauded the decision, stating, "Today, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has bestowed a marvelous gift upon Bihar. Consumers will no longer face charges for electricity usage up to 125 units. This is undoubtedly a tremendous benefit for all consumers, significantly lessening their monthly expenses."

Neeraj Kumar, another JD(U) spokesperson, commended the initiative, asserting, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to offer free electricity up to 125 units to all domestic consumers, regardless of caste or religion, represents a pivotal development. We don't merely announce subsidies; we execute them, demonstrating that we are a government of resolve."

"This is a major social transformation, especially for the most disadvantaged sectors of society -- Dalits and minorities -- who have faced life's hardships. Previously, many of their homes depended on lanterns; now, they deserve access to electricity. With this new decision, a significant societal change is imminent, greatly benefiting the impoverished and the youth of Bihar," he added.

On the flip side, Mahagathbandhan parties dismissed the scheme, alleging the government of "stealing" ideas from the opposition.

RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari told IANS, "The Nitish government is an imitative government; it plagiarizes Tejashwi Yadav's initiatives. The Chief Minister shares updates on these via social media. Recently, numerous schemes announced by Tejashwi Yadav were subsequently revealed by Nitish Kumar, yet he has never publicly acknowledged it. They are merely replicating everything from Tejashwi Yadav, but even copying necessitates some intelligence."

Congress leader Udit Raj criticized the initiative, asserting that the Chief Minister is "mentally unstable". "It seems those suggesting Nitish Kumar is not mentally sound are justified. Nitish Kumar himself once declared in the Assembly that electricity bills should not and cannot be waived. Yet now, after RJD and Congress demanded 200 units of free electricity, the current government is proposing 125 units for free," he stated to IANS.

"This is an election gimmick. This also indicates that Nitish Kumar's mental well-being is questionable," he added.

RJD Chief Spokesperson Shakti Yadav claimed, "If a leader like Tejashwi Yadav is the Leader of Opposition in Bihar, then Nitish Kumar has no alternative but to concede. Governments do yield; they merely require a leader capable of influencing them. That strength rests in Tejashwi Yadav's determination and commitment."

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh remarked, "This is a scheme designed to mislead the public. With the introduction of smart meters, electricity bills for every household have surged two to four times. Now, this promise of 125 units of free electricity -- it is evident that during elections, new declarations are made daily. Public amenities are enhanced. New dreams are sold to the populace."