INDIA bloc’s manifesto lacks substance, commitment to change: Prasad

BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday dismissed the INDIA alliance’s joint manifesto as a “bundle of hollow promises”, saying that even those who drafted it know their government will not be formed so they see no harm in making tall claims.

Addressing a press conference here, he said, “This manifesto is not a joint document, it is Tejashwi Yadav’s personal pledge.”

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He said, “This manifesto presents a populist picture before the people of Bihar, but it lacks both substance and any real commitment to change. The people of Bihar understand this well.”

He added that while the manifesto claims zero tolerance on crime, it says nothing about corruption. “Naturally, if they had made such a claim, it would have led to further questions. The fact is, those who talk of a new vision are themselves accused under Section 420 (fraud). RJD is a school of corruption — that is its past, its present, and it will remain its future,” he said.

Commenting on the zero tolerance on crime claim, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “They should have also said that from now on, no criminals will be entertained at the Chief Minister’s residence. RJD’s goons who grab land should be stopped. Action should be taken wherever there is even a suspicion of crime.”

He also criticised Tejashwi Yadav for dragging Chhath Puja into politics. “Do not bring Chhath into politics,” he said.

On Tejashwi Yadav’s claims of development, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Whatever work was done, it was done by the Nitish government. It was your corruption that made him part ways with you.”

When asked about the NDA’s vision, the Patna Sahib MP replied, “Our vision is our work. We built roads, introduced eight Vande Bharat trains, launched the Patna Metro, and ensured electricity even in villages. NDA’s work speaks for itself.”

He further said, “In 2005, Bihar had only two government engineering colleges, today there are 38. The number of polytechnic colleges has increased from 13 to 46, and ITIs from 23 to 152. The literacy rate among women was 47% in 2001, today it has reached 79%.”

Ravi Shankar Prasad added, “NDA’s work is visible on the ground and will continue to progress further. Tejashwi Yadav is afraid to speak openly against corruption.”

Objecting to the INDIA Alliance’s alleged remarks about colonising Bihar, he said such statements are against the Constitution.

He added, “Nitish Kumar has been the leader of the NDA for 20 years and will remain so. The Modi–Nitish partnership is committed to the development of Bihar.”