July 17 ,2025— In a major pre-poll announcement, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday declared that all domestic consumers in the state will receive free electricity, a move widely seen as a strategic attempt to woo voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Addressing a public event in Patna, the Chief Minister said, “From now on, no household in Bihar will have to pay electricity bills. The state government will bear the entire cost of domestic power consumption.” The scheme is expected to benefit over 1.5 crore electricity consumers across both urban and rural areas.
The announcement marks a significant addition to the state’s welfare initiatives, with Kumar positioning it as a step toward inclusive development and improved quality of life for the people of Bihar. “This is not merely a poll promise, but a reflection of our commitment to ensuring economic relief and energy access to every household,” he stated.
The free electricity scheme is anticipated to cost the state exchequer more than ₹13,000 crore annually, but Kumar maintained that Bihar is financially capable of absorbing the expenditure. He highlighted his government’s work in strengthening the state’s fiscal position over recent years.
The declaration comes at a crucial time, with political activity intensifying as the state gears up for the assembly polls later this year. The JD(U)-BJP alliance, led by Kumar, is expected to feature this scheme prominently in its election manifesto, projecting it as a pro-people reform aimed at social welfare.
However, the opposition has strongly criticised the move. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the announcement as an “election gimmick,” accusing the ruling coalition of neglecting essential sectors like employment, education, and healthcare. “If this scheme was genuinely for the people, it would have been launched years ago — not just before elections,” Yadav said.
Political observers note that similar schemes in other states, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, have proven electorally successful. The announcement in Bihar is expected to significantly influence voter sentiment, especially among the rural and lower-income demographic where electricity bills pose a substantial financial burden.
Experts suggest that while the move could improve electricity access in Bihar, effective implementation and long-term sustainability will be key challenges. The government will need to ensure uninterrupted power supply and transparency in billing systems to maintain public trust.
With this bold promise, Nitish Kumar has set the tone for an election campaign centered around energy affordability and household welfare. As Bihar heads toward a high-stakes electoral battle, the free electricity pledge is likely to emerge as a defining issue in the months to come.
