Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Shri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib, following a massive roadshow in Patna and election rallies in Arrah and Nawada. Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five “takhts", was commissioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 18th century to mark the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, who was born in Patna in 1666 and spent his early years there, before moving to Anandpur Sahib. PM Modi’s visit to Patna Sahib was not symbolism, but a reflection of his devout belief in the lofty teachings of Sikh gurus. Patna and Sikhism have a shared history and bond. Beyond optics, Modi’s rallies in Bihar last week showcase his effortless charisma, which was evident from the sheer groundswell of people, especially the womenfolk, who turned up in huge numbers, to listen to him.

Speaking of Bihar elections, the NDA’s manifesto (Sankalp Patra) is about jobs, financial support to women and farmers, permanent housing, free ration, electricity and healthcare and establishment of medical colleges, among other things. NDA has promised to provide government jobs to over 1 crore people. The idea is to carry out a skill census and offer skill-based employment and establish mega skill centres in every district to position Bihar as a global-level training centre. Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, women will be provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh. The manifesto also promises to make 1 crore Lakhpati Didis. Further, under ‘Mission Crorepati’, efforts will be made to empower women entrepreneurs to become millionaires. Rs 10 lakh financial assistance will be provided to several underprivileged categories. NDA has vowed to constitute a high-level committee under the Supreme Court to assess the social and economic conditions of different castes among the backward classes and suggest appropriate measures to empower these castes.

Under the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers will be provided financial assistance of Rs 9,000 annually, versus the earlier Rs 6,000 per annum. Aid for fisherfolk will also be increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,000. Additionally, an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore in agriculture infrastructure and procurement at minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, including rice, wheat, pulses and corn, will happen. Plans to establish five mega food parks, double agricultural production, have self-reliance in pulses’ production by 2030 and develop Bihar as the global export centre for fish and foxnuts are on the anvil.

Modernisation of seven expressways, 3,600 km of rail track, expansion of Amrit Bharat expressways and NaMo rapid rail, including launch of metro services in four cities, will empower Bihar, further. A ‘greenfield city’ in New Patna, satellite township in major cities and establishing Seetamarhi as an international spiritual city, are on the cards........

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