Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Thursday described the Bihar government's decision to transfer Rs 10,000 each to women beneficiaries as "state-sponsored bribery", alleging that the ruling NDA was using public funds to influence voters ahead of the Assembly elections.

In an interview with India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai on the day of the first phase of polling, Kishor said the government's cash transfers were being distributed even after the model code of conduct had come into effect.

"In a poor state like Bihar, they are distributing Rs 10,000 to around 1.5 crore women at a time when elections are going on. The money isn't being sent via banks; they are calling people and distributing the money. I believe the women of the state are taking the money but they are not foo

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