Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Cash Transfers to Women Bolstered NDA’s Bihar Election Sweep
Political parties sometimes give money or gifts to people before an election to get their votes.
In Bihar, the winning party, NDA, allegedly gave Rs 10,000 to many women voters.
This might have helped them win many seats.
However, an opposition leader claimed this money was taken from funds meant for other important projects, which could hurt the state's finances because Bihar already has a lot of debt.
The NDA's strategy was to give real benefits to women, unlike other parties who only made promises.
This direct help is said to have been a big reason why women voters chose the NDA.
Allegations suggest the NDA's Bihar election victory was aided by Rs 10,000 cash transfers to women voters, allegedly using funds diverted from other government projects.
Jan Suraaj leader Pavan Verma claims Rs 14,000 crore, possibly from World Bank-supported projects, was distributed to 1.25 crore women just before the election code of conduct.
Bihar faces significant financial strain with a public debt of Rs 4,06,000 crore and daily interest payments of Rs 63 crore.
The cash transfer strategy complemented Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's reputation for women-centric policies and was supported by grassroots BJP efforts to ensure benefit delivery.
The timely disbursement of tangible benefits by the NDA is contrasted with the unfulfilled promises of rival parties, significantly influencing women's voting behaviour.
- Who
- The NDA in Bihar, women voters, and Jan Suraaj leader Pavan Verma
- What
- Allegations of using diverted funds for cash transfers to women voters to secure an electoral victory in Bihar, and the subsequent NDA clean sweep.
- When
- Just before the Model Code of Conduct came into effect ahead of the 2025 Bihar elections.
- Where
- Bihar
- Why
- To increase voter turnout and influence the election outcome, leveraging women voters through direct cash benefits.
Accusations of Financial Irregularities
Government Actions and Electoral Strategy
Funding Source of Cash Transfers
Accusations of Financial Irregularities
Funds were allegedly diverted from World Bank-supported projects to finance cash transfers of Rs 10,000 to 1.25 crore women, just before the election code of conduct.
Government Actions and Electoral Strategy
Cash transfers to 'Jeevika Didis' were part of a strategy to leverage women voters, complementing existing pro-women policies and ensuring timely disbursement of benefits.
Impact on Bihar's Finances
Accusations of Financial Irregularities
Bihar's significant public debt (Rs 4,06,000 crore) and daily interest burden (Rs 63 crore) make the use of Rs 14,000 crore for beneficiary payouts unsustainable and financially strained.
Government Actions and Electoral Strategy
While the exact funding is debated, the effective delivery of welfare benefits, including cash transfers, gave the NDA a tangible electoral edge over rivals whose promises remained on paper.
Electoral Fairness
Accusations of Financial Irregularities
The distribution of funds, especially outside the official system to women who may not have officially qualified, created an insurmountable advantage for other parties.
Government Actions and Electoral Strategy
The NDA's gains came from 'others,' with women voters shifting allegiance. This strategy, combined with grassroots efforts to ensure benefit delivery, played a crucial role in the victory.
- Cash Transfer Amount
- Rs 10,000 per woman
- Alleged Beneficiary Payout
- Rs 14,000 crore
- Alleged Funding Source
- Diversion from World Bank-supported projects for Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana
- Bihar Public Debt
- Rs 4,06,000 crore
- Daily Interest on Debt
- Rs 63 crore
- Number of Women Voters in Bihar
- 4 crore
- Women Receiving Benefit (alleged)
- 1.25 crore
