As soon as Tejashwi Yadav unleashed a deluge of campaign promises in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, political circles were abuzz. He has wooed the youth, women, and workers with assurances and labeled them as 'change makers,' symbolizing transformation for Bihar. But, can promises like a government job for every family and a salary of 30,000 for Jeevika Didis truly empower the Grand Alliance?
At first glance, these pledges look appealing as they target the issues of unemployment (approximately 15%) and migration in Bihar. However, the practicality, financial burden, and opposition attacks have made them quite risky.
Tejashwi has been relentless with promises, focusing on employment, women's empowerment, and social justice through his travels and press conferences. One standout commitment is providing at least one government job to every family in Bihar within 20 months of the Grand Alliance forming the government, covering a total of 29.7 million families.
In addition, the promise to make Jeevika organizations permanent and pay them a salary of 30,000 is significant. According to this pledge, nearly 200,000 members of Jeevika groups (women's self-help groups) in Bihar will be granted the status of government employees. Moreover, fulfilling the promise of permanent jobs for the state's numerous contract employees isn't a simple task.
Tejashwi has made numerous similar promises, which although possible with governmental will, pose challenges. Commitments like a government job for every family and financial assistance for women are nearly impossible to fulfill. Such promises have remained unfulfilled even in states governed by Congress and BJP. The people of Bihar understand that Tejashwi's promises are politically motivated.
The Image of an Irresponsible Dream Seller
Political analyst Vijayendra notes that if a father who rides a bicycle promises his son a motorcycle, the son dances with joy. But if that same father promises a car, it feels like a teasing or unrealistic dream. Vijayendra says Tejashwi's promises are similar. The public realizes these pledges are just that—promises.
Already, BJP and Janata Dal United (JDU) are critical of Tejashwi's announcements as flights of fancy. They are trying to convince the masses that Tejashwi lacks economic acumen, and his promises could bankrupt Bihar.
BJP frequently argues that Tejashwi talks about jobs, but where would the funds come from? Nitish Kumar quips that making promises is easy, fulfilling them is hard.
These statements from BJP-JDU aim to paint Tejashwi as an irresponsible leader selling dreams. If the public perceives that these leaders promise votes in exchange for unfulfillable commitments, it could backfire on the Grand Alliance.
Need for Credible Plans Instead of Promises
If Tejashwi Yadav wishes his promises to strengthen the Grand Alliance, he should have presented plans, not just promises. For instance, he should have explained the implementation of job creation.
The situation has reached a point where Grand Alliance leaders cannot respond to journalists. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar, typically quick-witted, was caught unprepared on this issue. When asked about Tejashwi's promise of a government job for every family on Aaj Tak, Kumar couldn't respond adequately. His critics mocked his answers with reels. Obviously, providing 20 million government jobs within 20 months is unfeasible for any government.
Without solid policies, promises remain mere rhetoric. The Grand Alliance should prepare its manifesto focusing on economic feasibility rather than emotional appeal. This approach would inspire public trust and weaken opposition attacks.
Promises: A Political Trap or Self-Destructive Move?
Tejashwi Yadav's charisma, communication style, and youth appeal make him a formidable figure in Bihar politics. But his entire electoral strategy revolves around grandiose promises. In politics, a promise gains strength with credibility, realism, and feasibility.
The average youth understands that BJP and Jan Suraj could make similar promises but refrain from deception. NDA and Jan Suraj also made numerous pledges that are practical and achievable once in power.
Tejashwi's promises lack foundation due to the Grand Alliance's partners not endorsing them. Congress leaders refrain from making vows they cannot fulfill. Congress, despite talking about reinstating the Old Pension Scheme in Karnataka and Himachal, has yet to succeed.
Tejashwi's current promises are enthusiastic but lack concrete policy and financial framework, providing easy targets for BJP-JDU attacks.
Lack of Administrative Credibility
When Tejashwi Yadav served as Deputy Chief Minister from 2015–2017, numerous controversies arose in his departments (notably in road and building construction). Although corruption allegations remain unproven in court, BJP-JDU leverage these cases. When Tejashwi pledges jobs for the youth, the opposition cynically questions— 'Will it be like during Lalu-Rabri rule?' This derision instills a sense of administrative incompetence in the public mind.
