Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, pledging an expansive welfare and development agenda that includes 10 million jobs, free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level for poor families, and financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh for women under the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme.
The manifesto was jointly released at Hotel Maurya in Patna by Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister and HAM(S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) National President Chirag Paswan, and RLM National President Upendra Kushwaha.
However, moments after the release, all senior leaders left the venue to begin campaign activities, leaving Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to present the detailed manifesto alone before the media.
Key Promises: Jobs, Women’s Empowerment, and Education
The NDA’s manifesto, described as a “resolution for a prosperous Bihar,” outlines 25 major promises. The alliance pledged to create over 10 million government jobs and employment opportunities, conduct a state-wide skill census, and establish Bihar as a global skilling hub with Mega Skill Centres in every district.
For women, the alliance promised up to Rs 2 lakh in financial aid, the creation of 10 million Lakhpati Didis, and a Mission Crorepati to help selected women entrepreneurs scale their ventures.
The manifesto also promises free and quality education “from KG to PG” for the poor, along with nutritious breakfasts in schools and the establishment of modern skill labs.
Development and Infrastructure
The document lays out plans for sweeping infrastructure and industrial reforms. It promises a Rs 1 lakh crore investment in agri-infrastructure, ensuring procurement of major crops like paddy, wheat, pulses, and maize at Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the panchayat level.
The NDA also pledged to introduce metro services in four cities, expand expressway and rail connectivity under the Bihar Gati Shakti Master Plan, and set up international airports in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Bhagalpur.
Industrial development is a recurring theme, with commitments to establish factories in every district, 10 new industrial parks, and a Develop Bihar Industrial Mission aimed at attracting Rs 50 lakh crore in investment over the next five years.
Welfare and Social Commitments
Under the Panchamrit Guarantee, the NDA promises free ration, 125 units of free electricity, free healthcare up to Rs 5 lakh, five million new pucca houses, and social security pensions for the poor. Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education would receive Rs 2,000 monthly stipends, while farmers are promised financial support through the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi and fisheries and dairy missions.
The alliance also promised to transform the Maa Janaki temple into a world-class spiritual destination called Sitapuram, with Bihar positioned as a global hub for spiritual tourism through new religious circuits and homestay schemes.
Focus on Youth, Technology, and Culture
The manifesto includes commitments to build a Bihar Sports City, Centres of Excellence for priority sports, and an Every Citizen AI Expert Programme aimed at establishing Bihar as the country’s artificial intelligence hub.
Cultural initiatives include the creation of a Film City, Sharda Sinha Arts and Cultural University, and the Bihar School of Drama and Film and Television Institute.
Samrat Choudhary Leads the Address
While the release event began with the presence of top NDA leaders, it concluded on a quieter note. Within minutes of unveiling the manifesto, Nadda, Nitish, Manjhi, and Chirag Paswan left the venue. From the stage, it was announced that they would now head to their respective constituencies for campaigning.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary remained to brief journalists on the details of the “resolution letter,” fielding questions and outlining the alliance’s promises for “a prosperous Bihar in five years.”
