Patna (Bihar) [India], October 28 : BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hit out at the Mahagathbandhan after it released its manifesto for the Bihar Assembly elections, saying those promising a "new vision" for the state are themselves facing charges under IPC Section 420.
Addressing a press conference in Patna, Prasad said that the same leaders are also accused in the land-for-jobs scam, calling the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJD) a "school of corruption."
"...Those who are claiming to give a new vision to Bihar are accused of 420. We did not say this. Fifteen days ago, the Delhi court framed charges. The trial is about to take place. They are also accused in land for jobs scam. RJD is a school of corruption. This is their past, this is their present, and this will also be their future..." Prasad said.
Earlier in the day, the Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran,' promising to pass a law within 20 days of forming government, to provide government jobs to one member of every family in the state.
According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years.
The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda as the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored the OPS soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls.
The poll promises also include an increase in the current 20 per cent reservation for the Most Backward Classes in Panchayat and Municipal bodies to 30 per cent. For Scheduled Castes (SCs), this limit will be raised from 16 per cent to 20 per cent, and a proportionate increase in reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) will also be ensured, the manifesto said.
The alliance promised that every individual would be provided free health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh under the Jan Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
The voting for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, whereas bye-elections for eight seats across seven states and Union Territories will be held on November 11. The results for both will be declared on November 14.