"Undermines concept of democracy": Congress' Salman Khurshid slams Bihar CM for announcing free electricity ahead of polls

Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 17 (ANI): Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Thursday slammed the timing of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announcing 125 units of free electricity in poll bound Bihar, claiming that announcing schemes right before elections "undermines the concept of democracy."
"This is a new thing that has started in our politics, to say all this before elections. You mention in your manifesto what you plan to do in the next five years. However, giving something for free immediately during elections undermines the concept of democracy," Khurshid told reporters here.
Ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced today that eligible domestic consumers across the state will receive up to 125 units of electricity free of cost starting August 1, a move set to benefit around 1.67 crore families.
Khurshid also criticised the rising crime in the state, as the Additional Director General (ADG HQ) Kundan Krishnan said that crime increases in the month of April, May and June due to farmers not having work.
Khurshid said that while he cannot "immediately" question the statement, the responsibility of maintaining law and order rests solely with the state government.
"Whatever ADG, police or administration people say, we cannot question it immediately. But irrespective of the geographical situation of any place in a year, providing security should be the main issue and responsibility of the government and administration," the Congress leader said.
Recently, a prisoner, Chandan Mishra, was shot by unidentified attackers while on parole for medical treatment. Mishra was admitted to Paras Hospital in Patna when he was attacked. Chandan Mishra is a known criminal with several murder cases registered against him. Police suspect the shooting was carried out by a rival gang.
Notably, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor also hit out at CM Nitish Kumar, calling the announcement of free electricity as nothing but a publicity stunt.
Kishor said that after 20 years in power, Nitish Kumar's promises are no longer credible, and the people of Bihar are more concerned about pressing issues like Smart Prepaid Meters and incorrect billings, adding that Nitish Kumar will go, and Bihar will see a new CM after November.
The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be a crucial test for Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. Kishor is confident that the Jan Suraaj Party will bring about change in Bihar, with over 60% of the population wanting a new government. (ANI)