NEW DELHI: The launch of Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana on Thursday was more than another welfare announcement. Beamed in via video, Prime Minister Narendra Modi listened to women from across the state, turning the occasion into a mix of testimony, celebration, and political messaging—just weeks before Bihar heads into elections.

Rs 10000 was deposited into the account of 75 lakh women under the scheme in one of the biggest such welfare step taken by the state government.

The women, many stepping into business for the first time, during their interaction with PM Modi spoke of small loans, bigger dreams, and how government schemes had altered their daily lives.

Several affectionately called Modi “Bhaiya”—a signal of the comfort and connection they felt.

Reeta Devi of Bhojpur,

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