The much-anticipated Mainiyan Samman Yatra was launched at the Bahragora branch ground on Thursday, attracting a massive crowd despite challenging weather conditions. The event, which focuses on empowering women under the Mainiyan Samman Yojana, was graced by Baby Devi, Minister of Women, Child Development, and Social Security for the Government of Jharkhand, as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Gandeya Assembly MLA Kalpana Soren and Bahragoda MLA Sameer Kumar Mahanti, both of whom were special guests at the event.

The program commenced with a formal ceremony where the MLAs honored the chief guest and other dignitaries with bouquets. This was followed by a procession of hundreds of vehicles, which began from under the Kaliadinga overbridge and made its way to the meeting venue, moving through the entire market area. Despite heavy rains, thousands of women gathered under umbrellas, keenly listening to the addresses of the chief guest and other speakers.

Opposition Criticism and Response

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, JMM’s star campaigner and MLA Kalpana Soren emphasized the significance of the Mainiyan Samman Yojana.  The scheme, under the Jharkhand government's initiative, provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to every woman aged between 18 and 50, amounting to ₹12,000 annually. Soren took a dig at the opposition parties, stating that they were finding it difficult to accept the success of the welfare program. She further remarked on the solid footing of the grand alliance in Jharkhand, asserting that no opposition could halt its progress in the upcoming assembly elections.

Commitment to Women's Welfare

Minister Baby Devi, speaking to the audience, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the well-being of mothers and sisters across the state. She acknowledged that a few women had yet to receive payments under the scheme but assured that the issue would be resolved swiftly. Baby Devi praised the government's continued efforts in securing financial independence and social security for women in the state.

Echoing similar sentiments, Bahragoda MLA Sameer Kumar Mahanti launched an attack on the BJP, claiming that the welfare schemes initiated by the Jharkhand government have ensured the safety and prosperity of the state’s women, its soil, and its resources. Mahanti noted that the massive turnout at the Mainiyan Samman Yatra despite adverse weather was a testament to the people's support for the current government’s initiatives.