Freebies Galore in Bihar ! Nitish Kumar Announces Free Electricity For 125 Units, How Will Opposition Tackle ?

In a big political move just a few months before the Bihar Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that all homes in the state would get free energy up to 125 units. When it starts on August 1, this new subsidy will help more than 1.67 crore households, and the savings will show up on their July energy bills.

हमलोग शुरू से ही सस्ती दरों पर सभी को बिजली उपलब्ध करा रहे हैं। अब हमने तय कर दिया है कि 1 अगस्त, 2025 से यानी जुलाई माह के बिल से ही राज्य के सभी घरेलू उपभोक्ताओं को 125 यूनिट तक बिजली का कोई पैसा नहीं देना पड़ेगा। इससे राज्य के कुल 1 करोड़ 67 लाख परिवारों को लाभ होगा। हमने यह…

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 17, 2025

A double bonus: a solar power plan and a subsidy

The news wasn't just about lowering power costs. Kumar also talked about the state's plans to use solar power to make 10,000 MW of electricity in three years. As part of the plan, solar panels will be put up on people's homes' roofs or on nearby public land.

Under the Kutir Jyoti plan, some low-income families will get solar panels for free, and others will be able to get some help from the government. This move toward clean energy is part of Bihar's bigger plan to become more environmentally friendly.

Election strategy or real change?

With the 2025 Assembly elections coming up soon, Nitish Kumar's announcement is seen as a way to get more people to vote. The CM seems to be giving out a lot of free stuff, like free power, hiring teachers (TRE-4), and 35% of government jobs going to women.

His fans call it "visionary government," but critics say it's just another case of pre-election populism. 

How does the opposition tackle it?

The opposition parties were caught off guard by the news, especially by how big it was and when it came out. RJD and Congress have said in the past that Nitish was only providing "token welfare," but this big plan could change how people see him

Implementation and Effects on Money

The free energy plan is good news for most people, but there are concerns about how long it will last financially. It will take a lot of money from the government to support power for over 1.6 crore households, especially when the planned solar mission is added to the mix.

Samrat Choudhary, who is Deputy CM and is in charge of finances, is likely to be very important in navigating the economic problems and delivering on the CM's vision.

What's Next?

As Bihar gets ready for the election, Nitish Kumar has laid down the law with a number of plans that will help people. It remains to be seen if the opposition can balance this wave of welfare with promises that are just as appealing.

In 2025, free energy could do more than just light up homes. It could also power elections.