The Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of parties led by Tejashwi Yadav, has released its manifesto, titled "Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran," outlining promises for the upcoming Bihar elections in 2025. The manifesto focuses on employment, social welfare, and infrastructure development, with a central promise of providing government jobs to one member of every family in Bihar.
Key promises of the Mahagathbandhan manifesto:
- Government Jobs: The alliance pledges to provide one government job per family within 20 months of forming the government. They plan to pass an act within 20 days of forming the government to ensure this.
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS): The manifesto includes the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme.
- Financial Assistance for Women: Under the "Mai-Behin Maan Yojana," the Mahagathbandhan promises to provide women with ₹2,500 per month starting December 1st, amounting to ₹30,000 per year for the next five years. Another source mentions ₹30,000 monthly pay for Jeevika Didis.
- Free Electricity: Every family will receive 200 units of free electricity.
- Improved Law and Order: The alliance aims to improve law and order in Bihar.
Tejashwi Yadav has positioned the manifesto as a "vision document" to make Bihar the top state in the country. He criticized the NDA for not announcing their Chief Ministerial candidate or releasing their manifesto, accusing them of copying the Mahagathbandhan's promises. He also attacked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding the chaotic conditions faced by passengers during Chhath Puja, suggesting that people are ready for a change.
The Mahagathbandhan includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and VIP. Their main opponent is the NDA alliance, led by the BJP and JD(U).
The Bihar elections 2025 are intensifying as the date nears when 7.42 crore voters in Bihar will exercise their right to vote. Political parties are beginning their campaigns in full strength. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, are scheduled to address rallies in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also addressed public meetings in Bihar and is scheduled to visit again.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the schedule for the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 12 states and UTs. This has sparked debate, with leaders questioning the purpose and results of the exercise in Bihar. A Congress leader, Pramod Tiwari, questioned the ECI about the number of "infiltrators" removed from the electoral roll during the first phase of SIR in Bihar.
