The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has set the stage for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections with a bold manifesto, released just days before the Phase 1 voting.
The alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is making sweeping promises aimed at transforming Bihar’s socio-economic landscape. Among the most notable commitments are the creation of one crore government jobs and initiatives targeting women’s financial independence, with plans to turn a crore women into ‘lakhpati didis’. Additionally, the NDA has included an extensive infrastructure development agenda, proposing the establishment of international airports and expressways across the state.
Manifesto Highlights: What the NDA is Promising
The NDA’s manifesto, termed ‘Sankalp Patra’, was unveiled by BJP president JP Nadda and Nitish Kumar in Patna, accompanied by other key leaders from the alliance. The backdrop to these promises is Bihar’s well-documented struggle with unemployment and mass migration, as many residents leave the state in search of better job prospects elsewhere. This manifesto is an attempt to change that narrative by focusing on job creation, empowerment of women, and substantial investments in infrastructure.
Central to the manifesto is the promise of one crore new government jobs, which the NDA claims will be part of a broader strategy to reverse migratory trends in the state. The proposed skill census aims to assess the capabilities of the youth, ensuring that every individual is matched with appropriate employment opportunities. The NDA also envisions the establishment of mega skill centres in each district, positioning Bihar as a global hub for vocational training.
Women Empowerment: A Cornerstone of the NDA’s Strategy
In what is being hailed as a significant step towards enhancing women’s roles in the economy, the NDA has promised to implement the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme. This initiative will offer financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to women, with the goal of creating one crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women who can earn an annual income of at least one lakh rupees. The NDA aims to build upon this foundation through its ‘Mission Crorepati’, which seeks to elevate women entrepreneurs to the status of crorepatis, or millionaires.
Infrastructure Development: A Vision for Progress
One of the most ambitious elements of the NDA manifesto is its comprehensive infrastructure plan. This includes the construction of four international airports in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Bhagalpur, alongside seven new expressways and modernization of 3,600 kilometers of railway tracks. The alliance has also promised the development of metro networks in four cities and the establishment of ten new industrial parks in each district, indicating a desire to bolster the local economy through industrial growth.
Furthermore, the NDA’s manifesto highlights plans to create at least 100 MSME parks and over 50,000 cottage enterprises, proposing a substantial investment in the manufacturing sector. A defence corridor and a semiconductor manufacturing park are also part of the development framework, aiming to modernize Bihar’s industrial base and attract new investments.
Support for Farmers: Ensuring Agricultural Prosperity
Farmers, who form a significant voter base in Bihar, are another focus of the NDA’s manifesto. Promises include guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops and a substantial increase in the Kisan Samman Nidhi benefit, which will rise from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 annually. Additionally, financial assistance for fishermen will double, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the agricultural and fishing sectors as critical components of Bihar’s economy. The NDA has also pledged to attract an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore into the state’s agricultural infrastructure.
Educational Initiatives: Building Future Generations
The NDA is prioritizing education through plans to establish an Education City and attract branches of top global universities to Bihar. The promise of free and quality education from ‘KG to PG’ for underprivileged families is designed to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality schooling. This includes plans to provide nutritious breakfast programs alongside midday meals in schools, promoting both health and education.
Social Justice: Support for Marginalized Communities
Addressing social justice, the NDA has announced its intent to establish residential schools for Scheduled Caste (SC) students in every subdivision. Financial support of Rs 2,000 monthly for SC students pursuing higher education, along with up to Rs 10 lakh assistance for those from Extreme Backward Classes (EBC), reflects a push to level the educational playing field in Bihar. These commitments are designed to empower historically marginalized communities and ensure their equal participation in the state’s development.
Cultural Development: A Spiritual City in the Making
Cultural initiatives also feature prominently in the NDA’s manifesto. The party has pledged to develop the birthplace of Mother Janaki, known for its cultural significance, into a world-class spiritual city dubbed ‘Sitapuram’. Other ambitious projects include the construction of Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Corridors and the establishment of pilgrimage circuits focusing on key religious and historical figures, such as those from the Ramayana and Jain traditions.
What This Means Going Forward
The NDA’s manifesto embodies a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Bihar’s economy and social structure in the lead-up to the 2025 assembly elections. If successful, these initiatives could potentially transform Bihar into a model for other states grappling with similar socio-economic challenges. However, as with any political promises, the real test lies in implementation and governance. Voter sentiment will hinge not only on ambitious proposals but also on the NDA’s track record and ability to deliver tangible results.
As the election date approaches, the impact of these promises on voter sentiment remains to be seen. The NDA’s commitment to empowering women, investing in infrastructure, and addressing the needs of farmers and marginalized communities suggests a multi-faceted approach to governance. However, the electorate will be vigilant, assessing the feasibility of these promises against the backdrop of Bihar’s longstanding issues with development and migration.
Bihar’s future hangs in the balance, with the NDA’s ambitious manifesto shaping the conversation in the lead-up to a crucial electoral battle. According to the reports, the extent to which these proposals resonate with the public could ultimately determine the NDA’s political fortunes in the upcoming elections.