Patna: The opposition INDIA bloc, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other allies, on Tuesday unveiled its joint election manifesto titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Prann” (Tejashwi’s Pledge for Bihar) ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Described as populist and welfare-centric, the document places strong emphasis on employment creation, women’s empowerment, and relief from inflation. Led by Tejashwi Yadav, the bloc’s Chief Ministerial candidate, the alliance said the manifesto represents a vision of social justice, equality, and inclusive development for the state.
One of the most striking promises is a job guarantee for every family. The alliance pledged to enact a new law within 20 days of forming the government to ensure that at least one member from each family secures a government job. It also promised to regularise all contractual government employees.
To support women, the bloc announced a monthly financial aid of ₹2,500 under the proposed Mai-Behin Maan Yojana, aimed at providing direct economic assistance and reducing the impact of rising prices. The manifesto further proposes subsidised LPG cylinders for poor households at ₹500 and 200 units of free electricity per month for every household in the state.
In a move aimed at protecting minority rights, the INDIA bloc said it would put on hold the implementation of the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill and ensure transparent management of Waqf properties. The document also promises to restore the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, a long-standing demand of state workers.
For farmers, the bloc assured procurement of all crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and pledged to revive the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act and the traditional Mandi system to strengthen the rural economy.
Launching the manifesto, Tejashwi Yadav said the INDIA bloc’s agenda revolves around employment, economic justice, and equality. “Our goal is to make Bihar self-reliant, just, and future-ready,” he stated. The manifesto, described as a “people’s charter,” also includes commitments to improve public education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure while focusing on youth and women’s empowerment.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dismissed the INDIA bloc’s manifesto as a “bundle of lies” and a list of “unrealistic promises.” NDA leaders argued that the proposals are financially impractical and politically motivated.
The Bihar Assembly election is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, with the INDIA bloc attempting to challenge the NDA’s long-standing dominance in the state. The emphasis on jobs, women’s financial assistance, and subsidies reflects a clear strategy to appeal to the economically distressed and younger sections of voters who form a major portion of Bihar’s electorate.
