RJD's Manoj Jha Critiques BJP's Financial Aid Pledge in Bengal
Synopsis
RJD MP Manoj Jha lambastes BJP's promise of monthly financial aid for women and unemployed youth in Bengal, branding it a desperate move ahead of elections. He highlights a stark contrast with Bihar's situation, questioning the BJP's commitment to its promises.
Key Takeaways
Manoj Jha criticizes BJP's financial aid as a desperate move.
The BJP promises Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth.
Contrasts drawn between aid in Bihar and West Bengal .
Jha emphasizes the need for a 'quota within quota' in women's reservation.
Political implications of promises as elections approach.
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) proposal to offer monthly financial aid to women and youth without jobs in West Bengal ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections, labeling it an 'act of desperation'. He pointed out that following the initial cash transfer of Rs. 10,000 to women in Bihar, there has been a 'blanket of silence' since then.
His comments came shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' (election manifesto) in West Bengal, where he announced a monthly payment of Rs 3,000 for women and unemployed youth. The manifesto also included a provision of Rs 15,000 to support preparation for competitive exams.
In an interview with IANS, Jha questioned, 'If women in West Bengal are set to receive Rs 3,000 monthly, what crime did the people of Bihar commit? Why has there been total silence after the initial Rs 10,000? There were promises of Rs 2 lakh each. Why the silence now?'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously transferred Rs 10,000 to 75 lakh women in Bihar as part of the first installment under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana' prior to last year's Assembly elections, aimed at empowering women to start their own businesses.
Jha claimed that no similar initiatives have been observed after the NDA government regained power in Bihar.
Attacking the BJP, he stated, 'Why does one political party, contesting elections across various states, create such stark differences?'
'In Bengal, they have pledged a one-time payment of Rs 15,000 to unemployed youth. What wrong have the youth of Bihar done? Why should they not receive their share? Overall, my assertion is that this reflects a desperate situation in Bengal,' he elaborated.
On the Women's Reservation Bill, Jha emphasized that the monthly scheme for women in West Bengal should not be executed in a 'half-baked' manner.
'Our party (RJD), along with others that share our viewpoint, firmly believes that without a 'quota within quota' provision, any progress made—even if it appears to take four steps forward—will remain incomplete and inadequate,' concluded the RJD leader.
Point of View
The commentary by Manoj Jha highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding electoral promises. The juxtaposition of financial aid in different states raises critical questions about equity and political strategy, reflecting the broader narrative within Indian politics as elections approach.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Manoj Jha say about the BJP's financial promises?
Manoj Jha criticized the BJP's promise of monthly financial assistance as an act of desperation and questioned the lack of similar support for Bihar after previous cash transfers.
How much financial aid is being promised to women in West Bengal?
The BJP has promised a monthly financial support of Rs 3,000 to women and unemployed youth in West Bengal.
What was the initial cash transfer made to women in Bihar?
The initial cash transfer made to women in Bihar was Rs 10,000 each under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana.
What does Manoj Jha suggest about the Women's Reservation Bill?
He suggests that the implementation of the monthly scheme for women should include a 'quota within quota' provision to ensure it is meaningful.
What is the significance of the BJP's manifesto in this context?
The BJP's manifesto, which includes promises of financial aid, highlights the party's strategy to appeal to voters in West Bengal ahead of the elections.
