NDA's Comprehensive "Flood To Fortune" Plan Promises Transformation For Bihar If Re-elected

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Patna:

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unveiled its election manifesto for Bihar's upcoming assembly elections on Friday, pledging to transform the state into a flood-free region within five years if they secure another term in power.

Bihar faces annual monsoon flooding from major rivers including Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Burhi Gandak, resulting in significant crop damage. This year alone, over 25 lakh residents were impacted by flooding across the state.

The coalition, which includes the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has committed to establishing a dedicated flood management board during their next term.

According to their 69-page 'Sankalp Patra' released jointly by BJP president JP Nadda and Nitish Kumar in Patna with alliance leaders present, the NDA will implement river-linking projects, construct embankments, and develop canal systems under their innovative "flood to fortune" model aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and fisheries.

The manifesto introduces the 'Karpuri Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme, named after the former Bihar chief minister and Bharat Ratna recipient, which will provide farmers with annual benefits of Rs 3,000.

The alliance promised investments totaling Rs 1 lakh crore in agricultural infrastructure and guaranteed procurement of major crops—paddy, wheat, pulses, and maize—at Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the panchayat level.

Additional welfare commitments include free ration distribution, 125 units of complimentary electricity, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, 50 lakh new housing units, and enhanced social security pensions for economically disadvantaged families.

The coalition further pledged to create over one crore government employment opportunities and transform a crore women into 'lakhpati didis' through economic empowerment initiatives.

Bihar's elections will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for announcement on November 14.