The Mahagathbandhan alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and headed by Tejashwi Yadav, officially released its election manifesto titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran”. The document outlines ambitious promises centered on Employment, Welfare and Social Justice, aiming to win the support of Bihar’s youth, women and working class citizens.
Key Promises from the Manifesto
- One Government Job per Family: The alliance pledged to introduce legislation within 20 days of forming the government to ensure at least one government job per family. Job creation processes would begin within 20 months.
- Revival of Old Pension Scheme (OPS): A major commitment includes reinstating the Old Pension Scheme for state employees, meeting a long standing demand of government workers.
- Empowerment for Women and Youth: The alliance promises monthly financial assistance for women under new welfare schemes, free electricity up to a certain limit, and full exam fee waivers for students appearing for competitive tests.
- Agriculture & Social Security: The manifesto commits to ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, strengthening the mandi system, expanding healthcare coverage up to ₹25 lakh per person, and increasing pensions for elderly and differently abled citizens.
- Infrastructure & Skill Development: Plans include establishing degree colleges in every block, creating industrial hubs, improving roads and expressways, and offering subsidised or free travel for students to exam centers.
Why This Matters
- Bihar’s economy faces high unemployment and migration challenges. The “one job per family” promise, if implemented, could transform the employment landscape and become a game changer in state politics.
- Reinstating the Old Pension Scheme is expected to attract strong support from government employees, while youth and women-oriented welfare schemes broaden the voter base.
- The manifesto reflects a shift in focus from traditional caste based politics to economic growth, education and empowerment, positioning Tejashwi Yadav as a reform-minded leader targeting inclusive development.
Key Questions & Watch Points
- Feasibility: Analysts have questioned the practicality of guaranteeing one government job per family, given Bihar’s limited fiscal capacity.
- Implementation: Translating manifesto promises into ground level actions will test administrative efficiency and budget management.
- Political Credibility: The alliance’s previous governance record and internal unity will influence voter trust.
- Coalition Dynamics: Managing power sharing among RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), and other partners will be crucial for stability and execution.
