PATNA, July 19 -- In a significant decision poised to influence the upcoming state elections, the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Friday approved a proposal to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to approximately 16.7 million domestic power consumers starting August 1, 2025. The move, announced by Kumar on his social media platform X, is being widely interpreted as a populist measure to bolster voter support as the Janata Dal (United)-led government gears up for the 2025 assembly polls. The cabinet's decision, detailed by energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, ensures that no fixed or additional charges will be levied on domestic consumers using up to 125 units of electricity monthly. This benefit extends to all 18.6 million domestic consumers in Bihar, with the 16.7 million consuming up to 125 units receiving 100% subsidy. Consumers exceeding this threshold will continue to benefit from subsidised rates under the Mukhya Mantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana. For instance, a consumer using 200 units will only be billed for 75 units at a subsidized rate, ensuring widespread relief. Out of 18.6 million domestic power consumers of the state, 16.7 million consumers consume upto 125 units per month, development commissioner Pratyaya Amrit said while making it clear that it would provide 100 per cent subsidy upto 125 units. No fixed charge & other charges will be levied on those consuming up to 125 units, he added Today's decision would benefit every category of consumers such as farmers, all types of domestic consumers, Amrit said, adding that the relief would reflect in the energy bill of July month. The initiative, which also promotes solar energy, includes a plan to install 1.1 KW rooftop solar panels for 5.889 million Kutir Jyoti (Below Poverty Line) consumers, fully subsidized by the state. Under this scheme, the state will cover Rs. 27,000 of the Rs.60,000 installation cost, with the remaining Rs.33,000 funded through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. This push for non-conventional energy aligns with the government's broader environmental goals while appealing to rural voters, a key demographic in Bihar's electoral landscape. The financial implications are substantial, with the state's annual subsidy burden rising by Rs.3,797 crore, increasing the total from Rs.15,995 crore to Rs.19,792 crore. This significant fiscal commitment underscores the government's intent to deliver tangible benefits to households, a move analysts suggest is strategically timed to consolidate support ahead of the elections. The relief will be reflected in consumers' July bills, ensuring immediate impact. "This is a game-changer for every household in Bihar," said Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, emphasizing that the policy covers all domestic consumer categories, including farmers. Manoj Kumar Singh, chairman-cum-managing director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Ltd (BSPHCL), clarified that the subsidy does not extend to commercial or industrial consumers, maintaining a focus on domestic welfare. Political observers view the decision as a calculated effort by Nitish Kumar to strengthen his voter base amid growing competition from opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The free electricity scheme, coupled with the solar energy push, targets both urban and rural constituencies, addressing economic concerns while promoting sustainable development-a narrative likely to resonate in election campaigns. As Bihar heads toward the polls, this policy could redefine electoral dynamics, with the government banking on its pro-poor and eco-friendly image to secure another term. However, critics argue that the increased subsidy burden may strain state finances, raising questions about long-term sustainability. For now, Bihar's 16.7 million families stand to benefit, and the political spotlight remains firmly on Nitish Kumar's next move....