Officials clarify Bihar’s Rs 10,000 women’s aid predated Model Code enforcement.
RJD’s Manoj Jha accuses Bihar government of breaching the Model Code with cash transfers to women beneficiaries before state election (Photo: File)
NEW DELHI: Even as the first phase of polling in Bihar is set for November 6, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has written to the Election Commission “strongly protesting” what it calls a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Bihar government. The party alleged that the state administration transferred Rs 10,000 to beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana on October 17, 24, and 31—with another round scheduled for November 7, just before the second phase of voting.
The complaint comes on the same day the NDA announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for women under the same employment scheme.
In a strongly worded letter to the Election Commission, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha wrote: “I am lodging a formal and strong protest against the brazen violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the Government of Bihar through the direct cash transfer of Rs 10,000 to beneficiaries on 17th, 24th, and 31st October 2025 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.”
He further pointed out that the next scheduled disbursement, on November 7—just three days before the second phase of polling—represents a “clear and deliberate breach of the MCC, which came into effect on October 6 following the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election schedule.”
Jha asserted that the disbursements violate multiple provisions of the MCC and undermine the constitutional guarantee of free and fair elections. “The MCC ensures a level playing field for all parties and prevents public funds from being used for electoral advantage. The disbursement of funds during this period raises serious questions about influencing voters through direct financial benefits,” he stated.
Taking a sharp dig at the ruling alliance, Jha said the timing of the transfers “demonstrates a calculated attempt to influence voter behaviour, create undue advantage for the party in power, and vitiate the electoral process.” He urged the Election Commission to take “immediate and strong action” and sought a written acknowledgment of his complaint.
“The Commission’s swift and decisive action in this matter is essential not only to address this specific violation but to send a clear message that the constitutional mandate for free and fair elections will be upheld at all costs,” Jha added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana on September 26, transferring Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of over 75 lakh women in Bihar. The Mahagathbandhan had earlier criticised the initiative, calling it “OTP (One Time Payment) for women,” and accused the NDA of using government schemes as “voter bribery” ahead of the polls.
Sources in the Grand Alliance said that both the RJD and the Congress plan to highlight the timing of these transfers throughout the campaign, calling it a misuse of government machinery. In addition to this scheme, the NDA has also promised one crore jobs for Bihar’s youth—a direct counter to Tejashwi Yadav’s earlier pledge in the Mahagathbandhan Pran Patra to provide employment to every family.
Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan is preparing for an aggressive campaign phase, with Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge set to hold multiple rallies across the state. Senior Congress leaders including Imran Pratapgarhi, Sachin Pilot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Kanhaiya Kumar will also join the campaign.
According to sources, the alliance will simultaneously counter the NDA’s “Jungle raj” narrative by spotlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar in recent weeks.
