Lalu, Paswan release joint election manifesto for Bihar Assembly polls - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav released the joint election manifesto along with Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. The duo in their manifesto claimed to have covered all the issues concerning both urban and rural voters. On the occasion, Lalu openly criticized Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government in Bihar saying it did not keep up its obligations to the people. "Five years ago, the NDA Government which you elected could not withstand their duties. That government was not for the common men but for the special people. Poor, old people, Dalits, people from other backward classes and minorities were pushed and were sidelined," said Lalu releasing the election manifesto here on Monday. "The NDA Government supported the black market, landlords, corrupt officials and even the quota system. They gave this a name as development," he added. Lalu further said the RJD and LJP alliance has the objective of uplifting the minorities in the State since the present Government had sidelined them, "We have the objectives of development for the minorities. Our Government like the previous session will guarantee the security and respect for the minorities. We would induce brotherhood and love in the state. The Government will punish those who will hamper peace and harmony in the state," he added. LJP chief Paswan on his part excluded confidence of the alliance forming the next Government in the State, and promised to distribute free kerosene oil to the people after the formation of the Government. "24 hours after forming the coalition government, we would ensure to distribute 5 litres of kerosene oil to everybody. We will also distribute more according to the needs of the people," said Paswan. "We will also revise the schemes under Below Poverty Line (BPL). Regularisation of contractual employees will be done. Services of the contractual teachers and contractual judicial officers would be regularised," he added. The six-phase poll for 243 seats in Bihar begins from October 21 and concludes on November 20. The RJD will contest from 168 seats, while its alliance partner, LJP will field its candidates in 68 seats. Candidates can withdraw their nomination papers till October 18. Counting of votes will take place on November 24. Bihar has over 5.5 crore voters, who will exercise their franchise through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).