Patna
BJP leader and former union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today dismissed the INDIA Alliance’s joint manifesto for the Bihar elections as a bundle of hollow promises, stating that even those who drafted it know their government will not be formed.
Addressing a press conference in Patna, Prasad launched a sharp attack, claiming: “This manifesto is not a joint document; it is Tejashwi Yadav’s personal pledge.” He further asserted: “This manifesto presents a populist picture before the people of Bihar, but it lacks both substance and any real commitment to change. The people of Bihar understand this well.”
Prasad criticised the manifesto's claim of zero tolerance on crime, noting it was conspicuously silent on corruption. He alleged that this silence was deliberate, as talking about corruption “would have led to further questions.”
The BJP leader accused the RJD of being a corrupt force: “The fact is, those who talk of a new vision are themselves accused under Section 420 (fraud). RJD is a school of corruption — that is its past, its present, and it will remain its future.”
Regarding the claim of zero tolerance on crime, Prasad stated, “They should have also said that from now on, no criminals will be entertained at the Chief Minister’s residence. RJD’s goons who grab land should be stopped.” He also criticised Tejashwi Yadav for dragging Chhath Puja into politics.
When asked about the NDA’s vision, the Patna Sahib MP responded, “Our vision is our work.” He cited infrastructure achievements, stating: “We built roads, introduced eight Vande Bharat trains, launched the Patna Metro, and ensured electricity even in villages. NDA’s work speaks for itself.”
He provided figures to support the NDA's development record: “In 2005, Bihar had only two government engineering colleges; today, there are 38. The number of polytechnic colleges has increased from 13 to 46, and ITIs from 23 to 152. The literacy rate among women was 47 percent in 2001; today it has reached 79 percent.”
Prasad concluded that the “Modi–Nitish partnership is committed to the development of Bihar,” and reiterated his claim that “Tejashwi Yadav is afraid to speak openly against corruption.” He also objected to the INDIA Alliance’s alleged remarks about colonising Bihar, calling such statements "against the Constitution."
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