Bihar Politics: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has created a stir in the political corridors by announcing free electricity from 1 August 2025 before the upcoming assembly elections. 1.67 crore domestic consumers are going to get relief from this scheme. But the question is whether this announcement is an immediate decision to collect votes, or a long -lasting policy plan?
Electricity free after women reservation, a targeted election package?
The decision of 35% reservation for women has already given a strong position to the Nitish government among women voters. Now the announcement of free electricity is directly relieving the pockets of domestic women, poor and middle class families.
Experts believe that it is part of the ‘vote-bank micro targeting’. After women’s reservation, this scheme can become a powerful weapon to ‘reach door-to-door’ and ‘affect women voters’ in families.
U-turn or utility? Question on Nitish’s intention
Interestingly, on July 12, the Finance Department of the Bihar government had described the news of free electricity as “misleading”. But within the exact one week, Nitish Kumar not only confirmed that news, but also increased the unit limit from 100 to 125.
Not only this, Nitish has been an outspoken opponent of free schemes before. They have been saying to public forums that “nothing more wrong than giving free electricity.” Now the same Chief Minister has come up with the biggest free electricity scheme. This reversal questions Nitish’s credibility. Opponents are considering it a decision taken under political pressure.
Tejaswi cut or relief from public?
In the eyes of analysts, this announcement is 200 units of free power counter strategy of opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav. Nitish knows that free electricity such as promises directly affect in rural Bihar, especially when inflation is at its peak and the electricity bill has become a burden on the middle class.
Saving 125 units of electricity in urban areas means a relief of about Rs 700 per month. This will directly seem beneficial to families dependent on electrical operates.
Political price of Nitish’s decision
While this announcement is an attempt to help the public, on the other hand, the opposition has attacked Nitish by calling Nitish ‘U-Tur Babu’. His old speeches are viral on social media, where he has been calling free schemes ‘populist and harmful’. RJD gave a statement, Nitish ji has proved himself false. They can change any direction for power. “
The ground reality and economic burden of the plan
If this scheme is fully implemented, then the burden of heavy subsidy will be on the state government behind it. The Finance Department has already feared that the revenue deficit and financial health of energy companies may be affected. In addition, the target of 10,000 MW solar energy generation and provisions like cottage Jyoti Yojana at the ground level will be a big challenge for the administration.
Masterstroke or Mukaparasti?
125 units free power scheme is a big election bet for Nitish Kumar, which can become a ‘social engineering package of voters’ in collaboration with women’s reservation. But their policy credibility may also be shocked by it. If this scheme is implemented correctly, then it can cross the election of Nitish Kumar, otherwise it will remain an example of a cheap popularity.
