In a significant political development ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan—the opposition coalition comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress, and other allied parties—has released its election manifesto titled “Tejashwi Pran” (Tejashwi’s Pledge). The document presents an ambitious vision for Bihar’s future, focusing on job creation, welfare reforms, and governance improvements aimed at reshaping the state’s socio-economic fabric.
Employment generation stands at the heart of the manifesto. One of its most striking promises is to provide a government job for at least one member of every family, with the process set to begin within 20 days of the alliance coming to power. The document also outlines a broader goal of creating 1.3 crore government jobs over the next five years, signaling a decisive appeal to Bihar’s youth and unemployed citizens. This focus on employment is designed to address one of the state’s most persistent challenges—joblessness among educated young people.
The manifesto also emphasizes social welfare and equity. It pledges to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, a long-standing demand of the state’s working class. Additionally, it promises 200 units of free electricity per household and proposes a monthly financial aid of ₹2,500 to women under a new “Mai-Bahin” (Mother-Sister) scheme. The alliance also plans to open new degree colleges in underrepresented blocks, create a digital database for migrant workers, and ensure domicile-based preference in government employment. These promises collectively aim to strengthen Bihar’s social safety net and enhance economic stability for marginalized communities.
Beyond welfare, the manifesto also highlights governance reforms and infrastructural development. The alliance vows to establish a corruption-free and transparent administrative system that will prioritize efficiency, accountability, and public participation. It also emphasizes rural infrastructure, healthcare expansion, women’s safety, and the modernization of agriculture to ensure holistic growth.
The Mahagathbandhan’s strategy positions Tejashwi Yadav, its chief ministerial face, at the center of this political vision. Through “Tejashwi Pran,” the alliance seeks to project a youthful, reform-oriented image, appealing particularly to the state’s large population of first-time and young voters. The manifesto’s timing, coming just before the elections, is seen as a calculated move to set the narrative around development and employment—issues that resonate strongly across Bihar’s political landscape.
However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance has criticized the promises, calling them impractical and financially unsustainable. They argue that large-scale job creation and welfare expansion would impose an unbearable fiscal burden on the state. Despite these criticisms, the Mahagathbandhan maintains that its commitments are achievable through efficient governance, better fiscal planning, and the eradication of corruption.
The “Tejashwi Pran” manifesto represents not just a political document but a statement of intent—an attempt to reimagine Bihar’s economic and social direction. With its bold pledges and focus on empowerment, employment, and equity, the Mahagathbandhan hopes to transform the electoral debate from caste politics to development-centric discourse. As campaigning intensifies, Bihar’s voters will weigh these promises against the realities of governance, determining whether the Grand Alliance’s ambitious vision can translate into tangible change at the ballot box.
