Tejashwi’s ‘one government job per home’ promise draws mixed response in Bihar
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Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav’s promise to ensure “a government job for every household” if voted to power in Bihar has triggered a mixed response among voters, with some dismissing it as election rhetoric and others expressing cautious optimism.
Unemployment remains a pressing issue in Bihar, which continues to witness large-scale migration of workers to other states in search of livelihoods.
Tejashwi, who is the RJD’s chief ministerial face, recently said that his government would make an announcement on the promise “within 20 days of coming to power” and deliver results within 20 months.
Rehan Khan, a resident of Phulwari Sharif on the outskirts of Patna, termed the announcement a “poll gimmick”. “The NDA has been focusing on overall development rather than making unrealistic promises,” he said.
Ashok Kumar Rai, who runs a cement shop in the area, said he was uncertain about the feasibility of such a scheme but hoped it might still lead to better employment opportunities if the RJD wins.
Md Ansari from Mithapur expressed skepticism as well, though he said, “We have a huge regard for Lalu Yadav. He is someone whom we can bank upon.”
Amrish Kumar Puri of Chitkohra, a self-proclaimed die-hard RJD supporter, also doubted whether it would be possible to provide one government job per household.
According to Bihar’s caste survey conducted in November 2023, the state has about 2.97 crore families, while the total number of existing government jobs is only around 26.5 lakh, underscoring the enormous gap Tejashwi’s promise seeks to bridge.