New Delhi- A massive financial empowerment scheme for women in Bihar launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday has ignited a major political and constitutional firestorm, with a former CBI director accusing the Prime Minister of "brazen mass bribery" and urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider imposing President's Rule in the state.
The controversy erupted hours after PM Modi virtually launched the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana,' directly transferring Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across Bihar, amounting to a total disbursal of Rs 7,500 crore. The scheme, originally announced by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, aims to promote self-employment and make women self-reliant.
However, in a strongly-worded letter to the Election Commission, former CBI director M. Nageswara Rao, an IPS officer of the retired rank, termed the transfer a "flagrant act of mass bribery" executed on the cusp of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025.
The launch event itself was a showcase of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unity in Bihar. While PM Modi joined virtually from Delhi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were present at the ceremony in Patna.
Chief Minister Kumar highlighted the scheme as part of his government's long-standing women-centric policies, citing 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and the growth of over one crore 'Jeevika Didis' in self-help groups. He also took a veiled dig at opposition RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, stating that after his removal as CM, "he brought his wife to the Chief Minister’s chair."
PM Modi, interacting with beneficiaries, praised the Bihar government's initiative and linked its successful implementation to his government's foundational reforms like the Jan Dhan Yojana. "Earlier, a former Prime Minister had said that when the Centre sent Rs 100, nearly 85 per cent was siphoned off. Today, every rupee goes directly into beneficiaries' accounts," the Prime Minister said.
The political bonhomie, however, was swiftly overshadowed by the serious allegations leveled by the former head of the country's premier investigating agency. In his letter, Rao stated that the direct benefit transfer was a "deliberate misuse and abuse of public resources aimed at influencing the electoral outcome."
Rao argued that such an action "undermines the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process, striking at the very foundation of our democracy." He expressed grave concern that the timing of the rollout, with the state elections looming, constituted a clear attempt to sway women voters, who have been a decisive demographic in previous Bihar polls.
Going beyond a mere complaint, the former CBI director made a radical recommendation to the poll body. He urged the ECI to recommend to the President of India the imposition of President's Rule in Bihar immediately after the current assembly's term ends. Furthermore, he demanded that the subsequent elections be deferred by at least six months to create a level playing field.
Acknowledging the constitutional complexities, Rao wrote, "While I am mindful of constitutional provisions, the ECI is duty-bound to transcend their letter and act in their spirit to protect democracy." He suggested that if needed, the Commission should seek the Supreme Court's intervention in this matter.
He concluded his letter with a serious warning, calling this a "critical moment for the ECI to restore its eroded credibility." He added, "Act now, or risk the collapse of public trust in our electoral system."
This development sets the stage for a significant confrontation. The ruling NDA is expected to defend the scheme as a legitimate welfare measure, while the opposition is likely to seize upon the allegations made by a senior retired official to question the government's intent.
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