Just eight days before the first round of voting in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election, the Grand Alliance unveiled its joint election manifesto. Under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, leaders from other constituent parties of the alliance presented this collective manifesto. Previously, on October 23rd, Tejashwi Yadav was confirmed to lead the Grand Alliance's electoral battle. Even today, as the joint manifesto was released, Tejashwi's face remained at the forefront.
To achieve 'Complete Transformation of Bihar,' the joint manifesto was presented under the titles 'Tejashwi Pledge' and 'Tejashwi Pratigya.' Tejashwi’s large portrait on the manifesto highlighted that this time, the Grand Alliance not only declared Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate but also crafted their electoral strategy around his vision.
In the 2020 assembly elections, the Grand Alliance also campaigned under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership with the slogan 'Justice and Change.' But now, campaigning with ‘Tejashwi Pledge’ requires understanding its strategic implications.
Source: aajtak
Back in 2020, 'Justice and Change' highlighted employment as the central agenda. However, five years later, the dynamics have shifted. Over this period, Tejashwi transitioned from being opposition leader to co-governing with Nitish Kumar for 17 months.
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While in power, Tejashwi demonstrated action on employment. Given these changing circumstances, the manifesto now steps beyond employment to embrace women's empowerment and promises to various social groups.
A Cascade of Promises for Contractual Workers, Labourers, and Minorities
Tejashwi vows to create 12.5 million jobs upon forming the government and previously declared plans for 'jobs in every home.' Previously, Tejashwi might have underestimated the power of the female vote bank, allied with Nitish Kumar. Now, realizing their decisive role, Tejashwi announced plans like 'Mothers' and 'Daughters' schemes assuring monthly monetary support for women.
Recognizing the strength of ‘Jeevika Didis’ within the female vote bank, Tejashwi promises to regularize their service with a 30,000-rupee monthly salary. Furthermore, he opened a treasure trove of promises for disgruntled contractual workers, previously disregarded in 2020 as potential voters. The current strategy attempts to divert NDA’s vote bank by promising stabilization of their services.
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Direct Focus on Women’s Vote Bank
Pre-election, Tejashwi highlighted the 'My Sister Scheme' aimed at attracting female voters. In a counteraction, ahead of election announcements, the Nitish government introduced the 'Chief Minister's Women Employment Scheme' depositing a first tranche of 10,000 rupees into female beneficiaries' accounts.
In response, through the Grand Alliance's joint manifesto, Tejashwi offers a counter-promise, proposing 2,500 rupees monthly monetary assistance for women. Additionally, Tejashwi pledged economic assistance for workers encompassed in the joint manifesto.
A Fresh Play on Reservation and Social Equations
Tejashwi's promise to expand reservation is considered a masterstroke. Previously in power, he enforced caste-based census and expanded reservations, now seeking to constitutional inclusion in the Ninth Schedule for permanence.
The judicial process followed, and Tejashwi now plans for its constitutional entrenchment. His electoral promises also factor in tripartite local government representatives.
The 2020 elections saw no distinct declaration for minorities, notably Muslims. Tejashwi received setbacks in regions like Seemanchal due to Owaisi’s party’s impact. Avoiding such oversights, Tejashwi’s current manifesto includes promises focused on minority interests, particularly under the Waqf Law.
Political Risk and New Identity Battle
Overall, it's discernible that promises and agendas under Tejashwi’s 2020 ‘Justice and Change’ banner were not mature. Tejashwi couldn't fully detach from Lalu Prasad Yadav's shadow. But now, he aspires to reach every voter segment with new promises centered on personal leadership.
It remains intriguing to see the electoral impact of Tejashwi's card. Claiming Tejashwi’s solo biggest risk is apt. As a CM hopeful, the 'Tejashwi Pledge' led manifesto stands before the public. If Bihar endorses his resolve, Chief Ministeeship could beckon him; otherwise, a much larger setback might shadow his political journey.
