Bihar Elections: Grand Alliance Promises 30% EBC Reservation in Local Bodies, Stronger Laws

Patna (The Uttam Hindu) : Ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Grand Alliance released its first election manifesto in Patna on Wednesday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav jointly announced the manifesto, titled "Ati Pichhda Nyay Sankalp." It makes several key promises for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and disadvantaged sections.

Rahul Gandhi's attack on the government:

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that the extremely backward, tribal, OBC, and Dalit communities in the country are not receiving rights and participation proportionate to their population. Taking aim at the Nitish Kumar government, he asked, "Despite being in power for 20 years, why did they not fulfill the promises that we are now making our vision?"

10 big promises of the Grand Alliance

The Mahagathbandhan's manifesto includes these promises, keeping in mind the most backward classes and social justice.

1. Extremely Backward Atrocities Prevention Act will be made on the lines of SC-ST.

2. EBC reservation in Panchayat and Municipal bodies will be increased from 20% to 30%.

3. To ensure reservation in proportion to the population, a proposal to increase the limit of 50% will be brought and sent to the Centre for inclusion in the 9th   Schedule of the Constitution.

4. “Not Found Suitable (NFS)” will be declared illegal in the recruitment process.

5. Landless families will be given 3 decimals of land in urban areas and 5 decimals of land in rural areas.

6. Under the Right to Education Act 2010, half of the reserved seats in private schools will be given to EBC, OBC, SC and ST children.

7. 50% reservation will be given to disadvantaged sections in government contracts and supply tenders up to Rs 25 crore.

8. Reservation will be applicable in admission in all private educational institutions.

9. A high-powered reservation regulatory authority will be created to monitor reservation.

10. Only the legislature will have the right to make any changes in the list of castes.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that this manifesto is not just a paper of promises but a roadmap for social justice. He said that the Grand Alliance will work to give new strength to the extremely backward communities in Bihar.