Jharkhand CM Soren Waives Electricity Bills for Poverty-Stricken Families Amid Political Turmoil

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has waived old electricity bills for families below the poverty line and announced free 200 units of electricity. The move comes amid political tension with the BJP, which has accused Soren's administration of corruption and defections from his party.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has announced a waiver of old electricity bills for families living below the poverty line. Speaking at a gathering in Dumka on Tuesday, Soren said, "Our government is providing 200 units of free electricity and, in the first phase, will waive off all old electricity dues of the poor who do not file Income Tax Returns. The government will also assess middle-class families, aiming to send a zero rupee bill to every household."

Soren criticized the BJP, accusing them of campaigning to destabilize his government. When questioned about former Chief Minister Champai Soren joining the BJP, Soren refrained from commenting.

In a bid to empower women, the Jharkhand CM transferred Rs 73.29 crore through DBT to the bank accounts of 7,32,906 women across six districts under the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana. He affirmed the state government's commitment to all-round development despite the opposition's efforts to mislead the public.

Soren emphasized the importance of women's participation in state development, stating, "Our government is dedicated to empowering half the population. We aim to bring smiles to women's faces through various schemes." Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi, claimed that internal dissatisfaction within Soren's party is causing members to leave, alleging corruption in his administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)