Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bagaha (Bihar), October 22 (IANS) Before the assembly elections, women associated with the livelihood program in Bagaha, Bihar have made their political stand clear. His trust is complete on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Rejecting Tejashwi Yadav’s promises and overtures, these ‘Jeevika didis’ say that under Nitish’s leadership, women have felt safe, empowered and self-reliant – something they fear may be lost under the return of “jungle raj”.
“We trust Nitish Kumar more than Tejashwi,” says Manju Devi, a long-time member of the Jeevika program. “He has ensured our security and ensured that we can move around freely without any fear. At election time, everyone makes promises, but we have seen what happens later. Even Lalu ji had made big promises, but all we got was jungle raj. We don’t want to go back to that.”
Similar sentiments were also expressed by other women in the area. Speaking to IANS, they were all reacting to Yadav’s election promise that his government will make all Jeevika Didis permanent, give them government employee status and increase their salaries to Rs 30,000.
“No, I don’t trust Tejashwi,” says Nirmala Devi. “Nitish Kumar protects women. We feel safe under his rule.”
Ramwati Devi pointed out the real benefits of being part of Jeevika. “We have got everything from ration to cooking oil through government schemes. Self-help groups have given us financial independence – we are earning now. Nitish Kumar has done a lot for us.”
Highlighting the financial support she has received, Bindu Devi said, “Both PM Modi and CM Nitish have helped us. That’s why we will vote for them. I joined Jeevika this year and received Rs 10,000 to start earning. This is real support.”
Many Didis highlighted that the promises made by Tejashwi lacked credibility in their eyes. “We get benefits only in Nitish Kumar’s government,” said another woman. “Why would we trust someone who has done nothing for us yet?”
Usha, another member of Jeevika, said that she has faith in both PM Modi and Nitish. “They have provided us jobs, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 and even free electricity. We stand with them.”
Anita Devi also reiterated the same belief: “We got Rs 10,000 through Jeevika, and we see its benefits every day. Tejashwi has done nothing for us till now – so no, we don’t trust him.”
Rambha Devi, who recently joined the program, said, “Even as a new member, I got Rs 10,000. It is Nitish Kumar who is really working for us.”
Finally, Didi Abha, another Jeevika, made her stand absolutely clear: “No, we will not support Tejashwi Yadav. Nitish Kumar is the right choice – for our children, for women and for everyone.”
–IANS
BRT/UK