With the stage set for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) launched its election manifesto today, promising sweeping reforms in jobs, infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment. The development came just days after the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) unveiled its own manifesto, intensifying the political battle ahead of the two-phase voting on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14.
NDA’s Big Promises
According to Hindustan Times, the NDA’s manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra, places a strong emphasis on employment generation and social inclusion. It pledges to create one crore jobs across government and private sectors, along with setting up mega skill centres in every district to equip the youth for global employment opportunities.
A key highlight of the document is the “Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme,” under which women will receive financial aid of up to ₹2 lakh. The NDA has also vowed to make one crore women “Lakhpati Didis,” ensuring financial independence and livelihood support through self-help groups.
For the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), the alliance has promised business assistance of up to ₹10 lakh and the creation of a high-powered commission to evaluate their social and economic conditions.
In terms of infrastructure, the manifesto proposes seven new expressways, metro rail projects in four additional cities, ten new industrial parks, and the creation of a new greenfield city near Patna. The government also plans to develop a spiritual city at Sitamarhi, the birthplace of Maa Janaki, to be named “Sitapuram.”
The NDA has also addressed the concerns of farmers, pledging Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement at the panchayat level for major crops. A new scheme will provide ₹3,000 per year to farmers, along with targets to double agricultural exports and pulse production by 2030.
The education and welfare segment includes monthly stipends of ₹2,000 for Scheduled Caste students in higher education, collateral-free loans for gig workers and small transporters, and insurance coverage for unorganised sector workers.
Opposition Hits Back
The opposition was quick to criticise the NDA’s manifesto. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot termed the brief 26-second press conference used to launch the manifesto as “a dangerous sign for democracy” and described the promises as “a string of lies.” He questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s silence during the event, suggesting internal rifts within the alliance.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav mocked the NDA’s “Sankalp Patra,” saying that instead of issuing another list of promises, the ruling alliance should have released a “Sorry Patra” for its failure to fulfil commitments made during the previous elections.
The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, has promised to pass a law within 20 days of forming the government that guarantees one government job per family. Its manifesto also emphasises social justice, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and an expansion of welfare programs for farmers and students.
The Stakes
The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are being viewed as a crucial test for both the NDA and the opposition. With 243 assembly seats at stake, the contest will determine whether the ruling alliance can maintain its grip on power amid growing youth unemployment and rural distress.
The NDA is banking on its development narrative, promising continuity and faster infrastructure expansion. In contrast, the opposition has centred its campaign on unmet promises, economic inequality, and governance issues.
The two-phase election will be closely watched for signs of shifting political loyalties, especially among the youth, women, and backward communities—groups that could decisively influence the final outcome.
The Broader Picture
For national observers, the Bihar election is not just a regional contest but a reflection of broader trends shaping Indian politics. Coalition dynamics, job creation, and women’s empowerment have emerged as defining issues for both state and national politics.
With the NDA promising rapid development and the opposition calling for social equity, Bihar’s electoral battle in 2025 could set the tone for the next phase of India’s political landscape.
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