Bihar elections 2025: All you need to know about NDA’s manifesto

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday released its manifesto for the Bihar Assembly elections, unveiling a series of welfare, infrastructure, and employment promises ahead of the two-phase polls on November 6 and 11.

Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha were among those who jointly released the ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Patna.

Jobs, skills, and education

The NDA has promised jobs for one crore youth through government recruitment and employment opportunities.

It also announced plans for a skills census and mega skill centres in every district, with a goal to make Bihar a ‘Global Skill Training Centre’.

The manifesto pledges free quality education from KG to PG, and Rs 2,000 monthly aid for Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education.

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Women’s empowerment

The ruling alliance has promised to make one crore women ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and announced the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’, under which women would receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

Infrastructure and investment

If voted to power, the NDA said it would expand metro rail services to four more cities besides Patna, establish seven international airports, and construct seven expressways across the state.

The manifesto also includes ten new industrial parks and targets Rs 50 lakh crore in investments over the next five years.

A world-class medicity, a medical college in each district, and 50 lakh additional pucca houses are also part of the plan.

Support for backward classes and farmers

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the alliance would prioritise financial and social empowerment of Extremely Backward Classes, with Rs 10 lakh assistance for various occupational groups.

A high-level committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge will assess the conditions of EBC communities and recommend measures for their upliftment.

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For farmers, the manifesto introduces the ‘Kapurgari Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi’, providing an annual benefit of Rs 3,000 (Rs 9,000 in total).

Healthcare and welfare

The NDA also promised free ration, free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and other welfare benefits if it retains power.

Election schedule

The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, while by-elections for eight seats across seven states and Union Territories will also take place on November 11.

Results for both will be declared on November 14.

Opposition’s promise

Earlier this week, the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, pledging to pass a law within 20 days of forming the government to ensure a government job for one member of every family.

The Mahagathbandhan includes the RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and Mukesh Sahani’s VIP, while the NDA comprises the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

(With inputs from agencies)