By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has opened the treasury of Bihar during the ongoing Pragati Yatra. This initiative carries particular significance as it comes in an election year, with the Chief Minister announcing schemes worth crores for every district. So far, ₹9686 crores have been allocated across 16 districts, and according to sources, announcements totalling ₹20,000–₹25,000 crores are expected for all 38 districts.
A Flurry of Announcements
During the Pragati Yatra, several schemes will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, while foundation stones for many others will be laid. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has alleged that these announcements are a response to pressure from the Leader of the Opposition. However, the ruling Janata Dal (United) {JD(U)} maintains that Nitish Kumar delivers on every promise he makes. Experts note that such large-scale announcements are common in election years, though the budgetary allocation often follows later.
Nitish Kumar, appearing in full form this election year, began the Pragati Yatra in West Champaran on 23 December. Since then, he has visited 16 districts across three phases. West Champaran alone received schemes worth ₹752 crores, while Darbhanga was gifted ₹2000 crores and Madhubani ₹1100 crores.
District-Wise Allocations
On 23 December, Nitish Kumar announced schemes worth ₹752 crores for West Champaran. This was followed by ₹201 crores for East Champaran on 24 December, ₹187 crores for Sheohar on 26 December, and ₹434 crores for Sitamarhi. Further announcements included:
- Gopalganj: ₹139 crores on 4 January
- Muzaffarpur: ₹450 crores on 5 January
- Vaishali: ₹276 crores on 6 January
- Siwan: ₹109 crores on 7 January
- Saran: ₹985 crores on 8 January
In the latest phase of the Yatra, Darbhanga received ₹2000 crores on 11 January, Madhubani ₹1107 crores on 12 January, Samastipur ₹937 crores on 13 January, Khagaria ₹430 crores on 16 January, Begusarai ₹563 crores on 18 January, Supaul ₹298 crores on 20 January, Kishanganj ₹514 crores on 21 January, and Araria ₹304 crores on 22 January.
Opposition and Ruling Party Clash
RJD, the primary opposition party, has dismissed the announcements as politically motivated. Party spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed alleged that Nitish Kumar is feeling the heat of Tejashwi Yadav’s “Mai-Behan Maan Yojana” and other schemes, which include promises like 200 free electricity units, ₹2500 for women, and a hike in social security pensions from ₹400 to ₹1500. Ahmed claimed that Tejashwi Yadav achieved more in 17 months as Deputy CM than Nitish Kumar did in two decades.
Meanwhile, the ruling JD(U)refuted the allegations, with Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar affirming that Nitish Kumar delivers on his promises. “Whatever announcement the Chief Minister makes, it is implemented on the ground. These are not just election promises but commitments that will be fulfilled even after the elections,” he said.
Experts Weigh In
Political analyst Sunil Pandey observed that large-scale announcements in election years are expected from any ruling government. He noted that Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra is a strategic move to connect with people and address their demands. However, in a democracy, he added, the trend often sees announcements made first, with implementation following later.