Smriti Irani Slams RJD and Congress Over Welfare Schemes, Says NDA Will Ensure Benefits Reach People

By A Staff Reporter

PATNA, BIHAR — Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the RJD and Congress during an election rally in Patna, accusing them of obstructing welfare initiatives and neglecting Bihar’s poor.

Irani criticised the RJD for allegedly urging the Election Commission to halt the transfer of ₹10,000 into women’s bank accounts under a state welfare scheme. “The RJD has not issued any clear statement regarding their request to the Election Commission to ban the transfer of ₹10,000 to women's bank accounts in Bihar,” she said. “I want to reassure the people of Bihar that the NDA will form the government, and benefits will be transferred to their bank accounts by the central government.”

Taking on the Congress, Irani questioned the party’s governance record. “Why did six crore people in Bihar not have bank accounts? The Congress government must answer that. Why did 75 lakh farmers not receive the benefits of the PM-Kisan scheme?” she asked.

She further highlighted the NDA’s welfare efforts, noting that “under the Ajivika programme, 11 lakh beneficiaries were added only after the NDA formed its government in Bihar.” Irani added that free ration provisions for underprivileged families were also introduced under the current administration.