Sharad Pawar Claims Cash Transfers Influenced Bihar Election Results While BJP Defends Welfare Initiatives

Mumbai:

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has claimed that the BJP-led NDA's recent victory in the Bihar Assembly election was influenced by a government cash transfer initiative that deposited Rs 10,000 into women voters' bank accounts shortly before the polls.

He expressed concern that such substantial pre-election financial disbursements could potentially undermine public confidence in democratic processes.

During a press conference in Baramati, Pawar revealed he received information from Bihar indicating that women, who participated in unusually large numbers, were considerably influenced by the Rs 10,000 deposits.

"Women had essentially taken control of the election outcome. Each received Rs 10,000 in their accounts, which appears to have directly impacted the results," he stated.

Pawar compared this to Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme, where Rs 1,500 was transferred to women prior to the Model Code of Conduct implementation. He expressed alarm about the growing tendency of governments distributing significant funds immediately before elections.

"If those in power approach elections after distributing money in this manner, it will erode public trust in the electoral system. Rs 10,000 is substantial. Both experts and the Election Commission need to evaluate this impact," he emphasized.

The veteran politician added that such practices raise serious transparency concerns. "When Rs 10,000 is distributed throughout a state followed by elections, people naturally question the integrity of the process," he remarked.

BJP Rejects Pawar's Charges

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis firmly rejected Pawar's allegations, characterizing them as an attempt to divert attention from electoral defeat. "In elections, the winner is the true Sikandar," he stated. "After facing defeat, one should acknowledge the loss, admit mistakes, and reflect, but our Opposition refuses to do so."

Fadnavis defended that all parties and governments have the right to implement welfare programs, with the public ultimately judging their effectiveness. "The schemes we implemented received public appreciation, which is why they supported us," he concluded.