Bihar Polls: ₹14,000 Cr World Bank Funds Diverted Claim Sparks Firestorm
Bihar Polls: ₹14,000 Cr World Bank Funds Diverted Claim Sparks Firestorm
Jan Suraaj alleges World Bank funds meant for other projects were diverted to Bihar elections, with ₹10,000 paid to 1.25 crore women ahead of polling.
In a provocative claim ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, Jan Suraaj spokesperson Pavan Verma alleged that funds from the World Bank, earmarked for a different project, were diverted to the election process and distributed to women voters. He said ₹10,000 was transferred to the accounts of 1.25 crore women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, just hours before the poll code of conduct came into effect.
Verma asserted that the total World Bank support involved ₹21,000 crores for various programs, but only ₹14,000 crores were allegedly siphoned off and used in the electoral push. He described the Bihar public debt as currently around ₹4,06,000 crores and claimed the treasury was empty, framing the allegation as a matter of public concern rather than a routine political dispute. While he insisted the information could be wrong, he added that if any part of it were true, questions of ethics and legality would follow, especially given the timing ahead of major elections in other states.
The spokesperson drew attention to the scale of the claim, noting that there are about four crore women voters in Bihar and suggesting that as of now, a large portion may not have received the amount. He connected the controversy to broader political dynamics, implying that pre-poll promises and money could influence voter behavior. He also hinted at the political sensitivity of the issue, pointing to upcoming polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and other BJP-ruled states.
Verma concluded by acknowledging the possibility of error in the information but underscored the need for scrutiny and accountability, given the potential impact on voters’ trust and the integrity of the electoral process. Independent verification and a transparent inquiry, he implied, would be essential to address the allegation fully.
Cover image source: Bihar Assembly polls: ₹14,000 from World Bank was diverted for elections, says Jan Suraaj leader 🔗
