Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s decision to invest huge amount of money for installation of solar lights has the opposition questioning the government's decision because the previous solar light project was scared by corruption allegations against mukhiyas and other panchayat-level representatives.
Three months before the panchayat poll scheduled in the state, the Bihar government has invited tenders to install 10 solar lights each in more than 8,300 panchayats and 143 urban bodies.
The execution cost of the plan is approximately Rs 20 crore. The RJD opposition questioned the government's decision because the previous solar light project was compromised by allegations of corruption against mukhiyas and other panchayat-level representatives.
RJD’s national spokesperson, Subodh Kumar, said: “Even though panchayat polls are not contested on party lines, it is a wrong time to invite technical bidding for putting up solar lights in every panchayat. It is a way to influence polls. All political parties indirectly back candidates in panchayat polls in their bid to strengthen their support… this scheme has been reeking of corruption.”
The RJD spokesperson said that they will also write to the Indian Election Commission for a technical bidding process for the scheme.
Although Panchayati Raj Minister Samrat Choudhary said, “The existing 12 watt light is not good enough, a 20 watt light would be installed to illuminate streets. It is an ongoing scheme.”
In June, Bihar Panchayati Raj, asked all magistrates to bid for the installation of solar lights. JDU has been focusing on panchayat polls since 2006 to establish its party cadres.
About Panchayat Election in Bihar
The Panchayat election in Bihar will be held in 10 stages from September 20 to November 25. The election was originally scheduled to be held in June, but had to be postponed due to the second wave of COVID-19.
