Patna: As Bihar prepares for its Assembly elections, the state’s two major political alliances have released their manifestos, offering voters competing visions for the next government. The Grand Alliance, led by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, launched its manifesto under the title Tejashwi Praana, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), headed by incumbent chief minister Nitish Kumar, released its Sankalp Patra 2025.
Both manifestos address key issues such as youth employment, social welfare, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure, but they differ in scope and detail. Analysts note that CM Nitish’s proposals place particular emphasis on long-term infrastructure and economic development, while Yadav’s plan focuses on immediate social assistance and employment guarantees.
Youth and Employment
Both parties have targeted the state’s large youth population and the unemployed. Yadav promises government jobs for one member of every family within 20 days of assuming office. CM Nitish, by contrast, has outlined a broader approach, proposing employment for ten million people through industrial investment, skill development, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Experts say CM Nitish’s manifesto provides a more detailed roadmap for achieving these goals.
Social Welfare and Justice
The manifestos also promise support for vulnerable communities. Yadav has pledged 200 units of free electricity, whereas CM Nitish’s Panchamrit initiative offers 125 units of free electricity, healthcare coverage worth Rs 5 lakh, housing assistance of Rs 50,000, and social pensions. CM Nitish’s plan includes additional provisions for the unorganised sector, including skill training, low-interest loans, and insurance coverage.
Women’s Empowerment
Both leaders highlight schemes for women. Yadav has proposed a monthly allowance under the Mai-Behin Maan Yojana and permanent government jobs for Jeevika Didi workers. CM Nitish, however, has focused on making women financially self-reliant, offering assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh and aiming to make ten million women entrepreneurs. The NDA manifesto also emphasises women’s participation in cottage industries, with plans to develop 100 MSME parks and support 50,000 cottage enterprises with low-interest loans.
Agriculture and Farmers
Agricultural development features prominently in both manifestos. Yadav promises minimum support prices for all crops, while CM Nitish proposes additional schemes, including the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Sahayata Samman and Jubba Sahni Matsya Palak Sahayata Nidhi, offering targeted financial aid to thousands of farmers and fishers. CM Nitish has also outlined a Rs 1 lakh crore investment in agro-infrastructure and plans to procure crops at the Panchayat level.
Infrastructure and Urban Development
Infrastructure development is a key focus of both alliances. Yadav has promised five new expressways, while CM Nitish’s manifesto details seven expressways under the Gatishakti Master Plan, metro lines in four cities, new townships, satellite cities, mega parks, and the expansion of domestic and international airports. Kumar has also proposed textile and silk parks to boost local industry.
Education, Tourism, and Cultural Initiatives
CM Nitish’s manifesto includes ambitious plans for education and tourism, proposing free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, investments in school infrastructure, skill labs, and medical colleges in every district. Cultural initiatives include a school for children with autism, an art and cultural institution named after folk singer Sharda Sinha, and the establishment of the Bihar School of Drama and Film. Tourism development plans feature the Ramayana and Ganga circuits and the rebranding of Sitamarhi as Sitapuram.
The two manifestos present voters with contrasting strategies: while Yadav’s plan centres on immediate relief and employment, CM Nitish’s proposals focus on structural development and long-term economic growth. As Bihar heads to the polls, the electorate will weigh these competing visions for the state’s future.
