NDA is gearing up for Assembly elections with strategic initiatives, and tourism-focused development.
New Delhi: With the Delhi’s elections concluded, the focus has now shifted to Bihar, where Assembly elections are set to take place later this year. Political parties have already begun their preparations, evident from the increasing number of rallies held across the state by prominent leaders. The BJP has actively started its groundwork, while its ally, JDU supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is conducting the Pragati Yatra. Through this initiative, he is touring the state, engaging with the public, addressing their concerns, and resolving issues swiftly—thereby creating a favourable environment for the NDA.
Currently in its fourth phase, Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra involves visiting various districts, reviewing local issues, and making key announcements, particularly concerning tourism. The Chief Minister has been making crucial decisions on the spot, addressing the needs of different regions, and securing cabinet approvals for government aid aimed at developing significant tourist and religious sites. This effort is expected to give a new boost to Bihar’s tourism sector.
Bihar holds immense potential for tourism, a fact well recognised in recent years. The number of domestic and international tourists visiting the state has risen significantly. In light of this, the Nitish Kumar-led government is making strategic moves to capitalise on this momentum, with the Pragati Yatra playing a vital role in this vision.
From an electoral perspective, the central government has also extended substantial financial aid to Bihar. The BJP, which relies heavily on its ally JDU, appears determined to consolidate its position in the state by rolling out welfare measures aimed at winning public support.
As part of the Union Budget announced this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a major initiative—the establishment of a Makhana Board. This move aims to formalise and strengthen Bihar’s thriving makhana (fox nut) industry by providing farmers with essential training and financial assistance to help them fully benefit from government schemes. Additionally, the Centre has allocated funds for the long-awaited Western Kosi Canal Project in Mithilanchal, a development expected to benefit thousands of farmers.
Recognising the state’s growing aviation needs, Sitharaman also announced plans for new greenfield airports, supplementing the upcoming expansion of Patna airport.
In the previous budget, the Centre had allocated substantial funds to Bihar, including Rs 26,000 crores for roads and infrastructure, and Rs 11,500 crores for flood relief. Moreover, significant investments were planned for the transformation of key religious and historical sites, such as the Vishnupad Temple Corridor, Mahabodhi Temple Corridor, and Nalanda, into premier tourist destinations.
JDU National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad thanked the central government for its budget support, crediting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s efforts for Bihar’s development. He criticised past Congress-led governments for neglecting the state but praised the NDA for creating new growth opportunities. He highlighted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent visit to Mithila, facilitated by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, where she observed makhana farmers’ struggles. This led to the announcement of the Makhana Board and the inclusion of the Western Kosi Canal Project in the budget.
Notably, Sitharaman symbolically wore a Madhubani saree while presenting the budget
On the political front, Bihar’s election dynamics are drawing national attention, with JDU positioning itself as a key player within the NDA.
The party is eyeing 123 out of 243 Assembly seats for the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) is demanding 25-30 seats, while Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM party seeks 10-15 seats. A BJP insider, speaking to The Sunday Guardian, stated that it is too early to finalise seat-sharing arrangements. However, he assured that all allies would be given a fair number of seats and emphasized that there is no internal discord within the NDA regarding the matter.