RJD releases its poll manifesto 'Parivartan Patra', pledges 1 crore govt jobs, Rs 1 lakh aid for poor sisters

NEW DELHI: The RJD, a prominent member of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, pledging significant initiatives. Among its promises are the creation of 1 crore government jobs and providing Rs 1 lakh annually to economically disadvantaged "sisters" on Raksha Bandhan.

Tejashwi Yadav, the former deputy chief minister, introduced the RJD's manifesto named 'Parivartan Patra,' outlining 24 public promises for the 2024 polls. He assured that the party is committed to fulfilling these commitments if elected.

"If the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, the RJD will ensure that unemployed youth across the country get 1 crore government jobs... the process will start on Independence Day this year... it will be like 'berozgaari se azadi' (freedom from unemployment)," he told reporters.

"Unemployment is our biggest enemy but the BJP leaders never talk about it. They had promised 2 crore jobs... but we deliver on our promises," Tejashwi said.

The RJD's manifesto also promises to reintroduce the old pension scheme for government employees and offer LPG cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs 500.

"For better connectivity in Bihar, we will build five new airports at Purnea, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and Raxaul, besides sanctioning a special package of Rs 1.60 lakh crore for the overall development of the state. People of Bihar will also get 200 units of free electricity per month," he said.

Yadav announced that if the INDIA bloc assumes power at the Centre, they would terminate the Agniveer scheme, which involves contractual employment in the armed forces.

The general elections for 40 constituencies across Bihar will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.

(With inputs from agencies)