Nitish Kumar Deepens Trust with ‘Half the Population’, Silences Opposition — Will Prashant Kishor Quit Politics Now?

Patna:
Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has delivered a decisive political message by strengthening his long-standing commitment to women empowerment — a move that has not only reinforced the confidence of the state’s “half the population” but also effectively cornered the opposition.

During both phases of the ‘Samriddhi Yatra’, one theme consistently dominated the Chief Minister’s speeches — the welfare, dignity and economic independence of women. That focus has now translated into a major cabinet decision.

Cabinet Clears ₹2 Lakh Support Under Women Employment Scheme

In a crucial cabinet meeting chaired by Nitish Kumar, the Bihar government approved financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh for beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme (Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana).

Under the scheme, women who had earlier received ₹10,000 as seed capital and successfully utilised it to establish income-generating activities will now be eligible for additional financial support.

The assistance will be provided in two phases, though women demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial performance may receive the full amount in a single installment after official evaluation.

From ₹10,000 to ₹2 Lakh: A Strategic Leap

Before the 2025 Assembly elections, the Nitish Kumar government had transferred ₹10,000 each to more than 1.56 crore women beneficiaries, ensuring that one woman from every family received direct financial support for self-employment.

At the time, opposition parties had dismissed the initiative as a “poll gimmick,” questioning whether the government would ever fulfill its promise of extended assistance.

With the cabinet’s latest approval, the Chief Minister has now converted an electoral promise into policy, significantly altering the political narrative.

A Direct Answer to Opposition and Critics

Following the NDA’s strong victory in the 2025 elections, leaders from the RJD and Congress had mocked the scheme, asking sarcastically, “Who will receive the promised ₹2 lakh now?”

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor had gone a step further, publicly stating that if the Nitish Kumar government actually provides ₹2 lakh to women beneficiaries, he would quit politics.

Thursday’s cabinet decision has therefore reignited political debate, with many now asking — will Prashant Kishor stand by his statement?

Nitish’s Long Game on Women Voters

The Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme is widely regarded as Nitish Kumar’s dream project, aimed at transforming women from beneficiaries into entrepreneurs.

Political observers note that by empowering women economically, the Chief Minister has once again consolidated the most reliable and decisive voter base in Bihar — women voters — often credited with shaping electoral outcomes over the past two decades.

Political Impact Ahead of Elections

By deepening trust among women voters and neutralising opposition attacks, Nitish Kumar has drawn a bold political line ahead of the next electoral contest.

Whether this move will compel political rivals — especially Prashant Kishor — to revisit their public claims remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Chief Minister has once again demonstrated his ability to turn governance into strategy — and strategy into political advantage.