As the Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11 draw near, the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, has unveiled a series of promises aimed at transforming Bihar and uplifting its citizens. A key focus of their campaign is strengthening the Panchayati Raj system and providing enhanced benefits to its representatives.
Yadav announced that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the alliance will double the allowances for representatives of Bihar's Panchayati Raj system. In addition to increased allowances, the INDIA bloc has pledged to introduce a pension scheme for former Panchayat and Gram Kachari representatives. Recognizing the risks associated with public service, the alliance also plans to provide a ₹50 lakh insurance cover for Panchayat and Gram Kachari representatives.
These measures are designed to empower local leaders and ensure they have the resources and security needed to effectively serve their communities. The promises extend to Public Distribution System (PDS) distributors, who will see a substantial increase in their per-quintal margin money.
Beyond these specific initiatives for Panchayat leaders, the INDIA bloc is making broader commitments to the people of Bihar. Yadav has vowed to make Bihar a leading state by attracting investments, promoting education, and ensuring proper health facilities. He has also promised government jobs for every family within 20 months and ₹30,000 annually for women. The INDIA bloc also intends to regularize contractual workers and community mobilisers.
These promises are part of a larger vision to create a "new Bihar" focused on development, employment, and social justice. Yadav has criticized the current NDA government, asserting the INDIA bloc's focus on creating employment opportunities, boosting public infrastructure, and restoring people's faith in governance through transparency and accountability.
The election is shaping up to be a tight contest between the INDIA bloc and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). The INDIA bloc includes Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) along with the Congress, CPI (ML), CPI, CPM, and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
The promises made by the INDIA bloc are an attempt to sway voters, especially women, across caste lines. With the election dates fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether these commitments will resonate with the electorate and propel the INDIA bloc to victory. The results of the election will be declared on November 14.
