Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will release its election manifesto for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls today. The announcement will be made during a joint press conference scheduled at 9:30 a.m. at Hotel Maurya in Patna. BJP National President JP Nadda, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and senior NDA leaders will be present at the event.
According to sources, the NDA’s manifesto is expected to focus on employment generation, industrial development, education, and healthcare. The document is also likely to include welfare measures targeting farmers, workers, and women.
Key Promises Expected in the NDA Manifesto
The manifesto may include the introduction of ‘Sita Rasoi’—a scheme offering meals for ₹10 across the state. It is also expected to propose the opening of new colleges with arts, commerce, and law faculties in every subdivision, along with free hostel facilities for students.
In the healthcare sector, the NDA is likely to promise veterinary ambulances in every assembly constituency and the establishment of super-specialty hospitals in each district. Patients will be provided with generic medicines at affordable prices.
The manifesto may also address long-standing demands from teachers and contractual employees by announcing equal pay for equal work. Additionally, the alliance could pledge to create one crore (10 million) jobs over the next five years, emphasizing industrial growth and entrepreneurship.
Push for Industrial and Technological Growth
Industry is expected to be a major focus area. The NDA plans to set up IT parks and economic zones, and promote artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, modeled after successful initiatives in Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Other proposed initiatives include the establishment of a defense industrial corridor, packaging and design units, and loan facilities for small entrepreneurs. The manifesto may also propose food stalls featuring regional cuisines at tourist destinations with government support.
To boost ease of doing business, a single-window clearance system and effective planning mechanism will be implemented. The document may also include registration of interstate and overseas workers, creation of district-level handcraft markets, and promotion of local artisans through Maharatna, Navratna, and Mini Ratna enterprise partnerships.
Education and Healthcare Reforms
The NDA’s vision reportedly includes setting up model schools in each district with adequate teacher appointments. It may also pledge to address disparities in teacher pay scales and ensure regular university sessions.
Plans include establishing residential schools in every district modeled after Simultala Residential School, and opening one medical college for every two districts.
Public Participation in Manifesto Drafting
According to BJP Manifesto Committee member and Minister Prem Kumar, the NDA collected public input from around 10 million people through a statewide campaign conducted from October 5 to October 20. Over 3,000 suggestion boxes were placed in 243 assembly constituencies, while a “Suggestion Box Chariot” toured across Bihar to gather people’s views.
The NDA says its manifesto reflects a five-year vision for Bihar’s growth—covering youth employment, women’s empowerment, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.
Grand Alliance Releases ‘Tejaswi’s Pledge’
Earlier this week, the Grand Alliance released its 32-page manifesto titled “Tejaswi’s Pledge.” The opposition bloc promised to provide land identification cards to 3.5 million sharecroppers, enabling them to access crop insurance, compensation, and other government schemes.
The alliance also committed to implementing the Bandopadhyay Committee’s recommendations, repealing the Waqf Board Act, and providing insurance cover of up to ₹50 lakh for panchayat representatives.
With both the NDA and Grand Alliance unveiling their manifestos, the political narrative in Bihar is expected to intensify ahead of the assembly polls.
