As political campaigning heats up ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, unveiled a series of major welfare promises aimed at strengthening Bihar’s grassroots governance structure.

Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Sunday, Yadav announced that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, allowances for elected representatives under the Panchayati Raj system would be doubled. The declaration, made in the presence of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, signals a strong outreach to rural functionaries and local bodies.

“Representatives of panchayats and Gram Kachaharis have long demanded pension support. We have resolved that they will not only get pensions but also be covered under a ₹50 lakh insurance plan,” said Yadav. He further added that public distribution system (PDS) workers would benefit from enhanced commission rates, aiming to improve efficiency and morale in rural welfare delivery.

Expanding on the alliance’s broader economic agenda, Yadav announced interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for artisans and traditional workers, including potters, blacksmiths, and carpenters, to help them grow their small-scale enterprises.

Asserting that Bihar is ready for transformation, Yadav said, “People are disillusioned with the current government. Give us 20 months, and we will set Bihar on the path to becoming the number one state in the country.”