Nitish Kumar will soon face off against Tejashwi Yadav for the post of Bihar Chief Minister — with the INDIA bloc hoping to unseat the ruling coalition. The Mahagatbandhan recently named the RJD leader as its CM face, with Vikassheel Insaan Party founder Mukesh Sahani as his deputy. Yadav has also confirmed plans to appoint three deputy CMs including Muslim and Dalit faces if elected to power.
Yes. Definitely there will be (other deputy CMs from the Muslim and Dalit communities). The day this announcement was made, Ashok Gehlot ji had said that if Mukesh Sahani were made Deputy Chief Minister, there would also be others. The concerns raised by various sections will be addressed,” he assured during an interview with India Today.
Earlier reports suggested the plan to select three deputies ( one each from Dalit, Muslim and extremely backward classes) had also found favour within the INDIA bloc before the formal announcement was made. Multiple leaders described it last month as a symbolic move to reinforce the social justice agenda of the Alliance and shift focus away from perceptions of Yadav-centric politics.
What does the Mahagathbandhan manifesto say?
The Mahagathbandhan released its manifesto on Tuesday, titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, promising to pass a law within 20 days of forming the government, to provide government jobs to one member of every family in the state. It also promised financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month to women under the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’. Every individual has been assured free health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh under the Jan Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
The Opposition bloc has also promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme and put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold. It vowed to make the management of Waqf properties “welfare-oriented and transparent”. The manifesto also promised to hand over management of Buddhist temples located in Bodh Gaya to the community.
The poll promises also include an increase in the current 20% reservation for the Most Backward Classes in Panchayat and Municipal bodies to 30%. For Scheduled Castes, this limit will be raised from 16% to 20%, and a proportionate increase in reservation for Scheduled Tribes will also be ensured.
Farmers will be guaranteed the purchase of all crops at the minimum support price, and the Mandi and Market Committee will be revived. Mandis will be opened at the divisional, subdivision, and block levels. The APMC Act will be reinstated.