As Bihar inches closer to the crucial 2025 Assembly elections, the political battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan has intensified. On Tuesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the NDA, claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no plans to make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister after the polls. The remarks came as the Mahagathbandhan unveiled its manifesto titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran,” outlining its vision for the state and promising a range of welfare measures if voted to power.

Tejashwi’s Sharp Attack on BJP and Nitish Kumar

Addressing a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of using Nitish Kumar as a mere political tool. He alleged that the NDA was deliberately avoiding the declaration of a Chief Ministerial face because the BJP had no intention of reinstating Kumar in the top post. “Nitish Kumar is like a puppet in the NDA. The BJP is just using his face to attract voters,” Tejashwi said. He pointed out that Union Home Minister Amit Shah himself had indicated that the BJP would not project Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, saying that the party’s elected MLAs would decide the CM after the elections.

In contrast, Tejashwi highlighted that the INDIA bloc, of which the Mahagathbandhan is a key component, had openly declared him as its Chief Ministerial face for Bihar. “The INDIA alliance has made its position clear. We are going before the people with a declared leader and a clear agenda. The NDA, on the other hand, has not held a single press conference to announce who their CM candidate is,” he said, emphasizing that this reflected a lack of unity and vision within the ruling coalition.

Allegations of Vote Manipulation and Central Force Deployment

Tejashwi also raised concerns over the large-scale deployment of central forces during the Bihar elections. He claimed that the central government was attempting to manipulate voting by slowing down polling in booths that were traditionally strongholds of the Mahagathbandhan. “For the first time in Bihar, 1,500 companies of central forces are being deployed. We know what instructions have been issued in the last few days. I urge all officers who have taken an oath to the Constitution not to obey wrongful orders. Do not act in a partisan or dictatorial manner,” he appealed.

The RJD leader alleged that instructions had been passed to deliberately slow polling in certain constituencies, thereby reducing voter turnout where the Opposition was strong. He cautioned officials against participating in any form of electoral malpractice and urged them to ensure free and fair elections. “We are vigilant this time. The people of Bihar will not allow their votes to be stolen. This government’s policies of deceit and dictatorship will not succeed,” Tejashwi said.

“Time for a Change of Power in Bihar”

Expressing confidence in a Mahagathbandhan victory, Tejashwi asserted that Bihar’s voters were ready for change. “The people of Bihar are desperate and eager for a change of power. They have suffered under this government and now they have the opportunity to build a new Bihar,” he said. According to him, voters across the state were united in their desire for development, jobs, and an end to what he described as years of political instability and misgovernance.

Tejashwi urged citizens to participate enthusiastically in the two-phase polling scheduled for November 6 and November 11, assuring them that their votes could bring about a new beginning for Bihar. “This time, the people will not miss their chance. The Mahagathbandhan will not just form the government, but will work to create a new Bihar,” he declared.

Mahagathbandhan’s Manifesto: “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran”

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Mahagathbandhan’s manifesto, which outlined a series of social welfare measures, employment guarantees, and governance reforms. The document, titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran,” positions the Opposition alliance as a coalition committed to inclusive development, youth employment, and women’s empowerment.

One of the key promises made in the manifesto is to pass a law within 20 days of forming the government that guarantees a government job for one member of every family in the state. This proposal, which Tejashwi has emphasized in several campaign speeches, is aimed at addressing Bihar’s chronic unemployment problem.

Additionally, the manifesto pledges to provide direct financial assistance to women through the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’, under which every eligible woman will receive ₹2,500 per month starting from December 1. The assistance is promised to continue for five years, underscoring the alliance’s focus on women’s financial independence.

The Mahagathbandhan also committed to reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, a demand that has gained political traction across multiple states. The Congress party, a key ally within the Mahagathbandhan, has already implemented OPS in Himachal Pradesh and made it a part of its manifesto in Haryana. Tejashwi said that restoring OPS in Bihar would be one of the first major policy decisions of the alliance government if elected.

Stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill

Another significant point in the manifesto is the promise to put the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill on hold. The Bill, which became law after receiving Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, has faced criticism from several opposition parties who claim that it undermines the autonomy of Waqf boards and affects minority rights. The Mahagathbandhan said it would ensure that the management of Waqf properties is “welfare-oriented and transparent,” suggesting that it intends to revise or review parts of the legislation.

Mukesh Sahani on a “New Bihar”

Joining Tejashwi at the press conference was Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, who has been declared the alliance’s Deputy Chief Ministerial face. Sahani echoed Tejashwi’s sentiments and presented the manifesto as a vision document for the next three decades. “Today we have launched the Sankalp Patra for a new Bihar. For the next 30 to 35 years, we will dedicate ourselves to serving the people. We will fulfil every promise made to the public,” he said.

Sahani expressed optimism about the Mahagathbandhan’s chances in the upcoming election, stating that the public mood was clearly in favor of change. “The people of Bihar are standing firmly with the Mahagathbandhan. We are forming the government. The NDA has no vision, no Sankalp. Their only agenda is to spread negativity,” he added.

The Political Landscape

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are being fought primarily between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).

On the other hand, the NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has also entered the fray, fielding candidates in all 243 constituencies, potentially complicating the electoral arithmetic for both major alliances.

The elections will take place in two phases—on November 6 and November 11—with the results set to be announced on November 14.

As the campaign enters its decisive stage, Tejashwi Yadav’s sharp criticism of the BJP and his pointed remarks about Nitish Kumar’s future have added fresh momentum to the Opposition’s campaign. With promises of jobs, social welfare, and administrative reforms, the Mahagathbandhan is attempting to project itself as a credible alternative to the ruling NDA, while the BJP-JD(U) combine seeks to retain power by emphasizing stability, governance, and national leadership.

In the coming days, Bihar’s political scene is expected to witness intense campaigning, fierce rhetoric, and an energized electorate eager to decide the state’s future. Whether Tejashwi Yadav’s call for a “new Bihar” resonates with voters—or whether Nitish Kumar and the NDA can retain their hold on the state—will become clear when the ballots are counted on November 14.