Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan releases manifesto titled 'Tejashwi ka Prann' – key takeaways

NEW DELHI: Days after announcing Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face, the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan on Tuesday released its manifesto, titled "Bihar ka Tejashwi Prann," for the upcoming Bihar elections . The move sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown against long-incumbent CM Nitish Kumar ’s NDA.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, deputy CM face of alliance and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, Congress leader Pawan Khera, and CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya were present at the event.

Speaking at the launch, Congress leader Pawan Khera said the Opposition alliance was the first to declare its chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, and also the first to release its manifesto. Taking a swipe at the ruling NDA, Khera dismissed their poll promises as mere “jumlas.”

The RJD-Congress-led alliance’s “Tejashwi ka Prann” echoes a similar tone to the BJP’s “Modi ki Guarantee,” a slogan the ruling party has heavily relied on. Likewise, the Mahagathbandhan’s call for a “Viksit Bihar” mirrors the BJP-led Centre’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, which aims to be achieved by 2047.

Also read - Bihar elections: Rahul Gandhi skips Mahagathbandhan presser; joint manifesto released in Patna

With a list of big promises, especially for women and senior citizens, the alliance is entering the election hoping to bring a change in power in India’s fourth-largest assembly.

Here are the key highlights from the Mahagathbandhan’s manifesto, naming it 'Tejashwi ka prann' --

• For the upcoming polls, the Mahagathbandhan has released a slew of promises under what it calls a people-centric vision for change. Within 20 days of forming the INDIA bloc government, it pledges to pass a law ensuring one government job for at least one member of every family in the state.

• The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) will be restored for government employees.
• Mahagathbandhan has pledged to put the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on hold and ensure that the management of Waqf properties becomes more transparent and welfare-oriented.
• The manifesto also promises to raise the current reservation for the Most Backward Classes in Panchayat and Municipal bodies from 20 percent to 30 percent. For Scheduled Castes, the quota will be increased from 16 percent to 20 percent, with a proportionate hike in reservation for Scheduled Tribes as well.

• Under the Mai-Behin Maan Yojana , women will receive Rs 2,500 per month starting December 1 -- amounting to Rs 30,000 per year for the next five years. In addition, every household will get 200 units of free electricity each month.

• "Employment guarantee scheme to be implemented across Bihar within 20 months of INDIA bloc govt formation."

• The alliance promised free health insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh for every individual under the Jan Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

• "Bihar prohibition law has completely failed; INDIA bloc will remove ban on toddy if voted to power."
• Jeevika Didis to be given permanent government job status with a monthly remuneration of Rs 30,000.
• All crops will be bought at MSP, with revived Mandis and Market Committees. The APMC Act will be restored.
• Mahagathbandhan announced in its manifesto that IT parks will be established across the state.
• Contractual government employees to be regularised.
• Every family will receive 200 units of free electricity.
• The management of Buddhist temples located in Bodh Gaya will be handed over to the people of the Buddhist community.