Patna, November 1, 2025 – In a move already dubbed the shortest press conference in electoral history, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unveiled its Bihar Assembly election manifesto, named Sankalp Patra 2025, in a Patna hotel on October 31. The entire event lasted a mere 26 seconds.
Picture this: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, BJP president JP Nadda, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan – the NDA's high-profile lineup – walked in. Choudhary held up the manifesto, said a brief line about the NDA ka Sankalp Patra, smiled for the cameras, and then they left. No questions were answered, no explanations given—just a photo-op quicker than a Patna rickshaw in rush hour.
A Manifesto Packed with Big Promises – Or Recycled Rhetoric?
The Sankalp Patra positions the NDA as the architect of a developed Bihar, promising continuity under Nitish Kumar's leadership. Key pledges include:
Category: Employment
Key Promises: 20 lakh new jobs (government and private), 1 crore overall employment opportunities for youth, mega skill centres in every district.
Category: Women & Welfare
Key Promises: Rs 2 lakh financial aid, 1 crore Lakhpati Didis, 50 lakh pucca houses, free ration, and 125 units of electricity.
Category: Infrastructure
Key Promises: 7 expressways, 10 industrial parks per district, international airports in Purnia and Bhagalpur, flood-free Bihar in 5 years.
Category: Education & Health
Key Promises: Free KG-to-PG education, medical college in every district, world-class Medicity, Rs 2,000/month for SC/ST students.
Category: Agriculture
Key Promises: MSP legal guarantee, Kisan Samman Nidhi up to Rs 9,000, double aid for fish farmers.
Category: Other
Key Promises: 3,600 km new rail tracks, defence corridor, startups for youth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a vision for a self-reliant Bihar, while NDA handles on X flooded timelines with promotional videos. But the opposition Mahagathbandhan, fresh off releasing their own Tejashwi Patra promising 10 lakh government jobs, saw an opportunity.
Opposition's Meme-Fest: String of Lies and Sorry Patra
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot didn't mince words: They came for 26 seconds, got scared of questions, and ran. Start with a 20-year report card. He called it a bundle of lies and a mockery of democracy. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav dubbed it a Sorry Patra. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh said, Silencing Nitish is an insult to Biharis. Social media erupted with clips of the so-called 7-second wonder (an opposition exaggeration), turning NDA leaders into viral fugitives.
Why the Great Escape? Analyzing the Smallest Presser Phenomenon
This was no accident—it was deliberate. Here's why:
1. Dodging the 20-Year Accountability Trap
The NDA, led by Nitish's JD(U) and BJP, has governed Bihar since 2005. Critics highlight unfulfilled 2020 promises: no IT hubs despite a 5 lakh jobs pledge, ongoing floods, job exam paper leaks, and youth migration. A Q&A could have become a roast—Where's the flood-free Bihar from the last manifesto? Cause Rating: High. Fear of scrutiny after two decades is real.
2. Nitish's Signature Silence
The CM stayed quiet, as usual. Known for brief speeches and amid recent health rumors, his silent spectator role sparked memes. BJP's Choudhary took the lead, hinting at Delhi's grip on the alliance. Cause Rating: Medium. Internal dynamics at play?
3. Digital-First Strategy in 2025
Why face tough journalists when X, Instagram Reels, and WhatsApp forwards reach millions instantly? The NDA live-streamed the launch, Modi tweeted, and party handles pushed promises. Traditional press conferences are outdated in Modi's media ecosystem. Cause Rating: High. Strategic, not scared.
4. Overconfidence from Polls
Surveys show the NDA leading Mahagathbandhan by 10-15%. With seat-sharing finalized and rallies in full swing, why risk a slip-up? The focus is on the ground game, not soundbites. Cause Rating: Medium.
5. Low Media Turnout or Boycott?
Unlikely—top leaders drew a crowd. But if hostile questions loomed, better to exit than engage.
Verdict: A mix of defensive caution (60%) and modern media savvy (40%). The NDA prioritized visuals over verbosity but gifted the opposition a PR win.
What Next for Bihar's Battleground?
Polls begin November 7. The NDA bets on welfare continuity; the opposition warns of Jungle Raj 2.0. This micro-presser sparked the election's first meme war, with the NDA trailing in the humor department. As Bihar votes, one thing is clear: in politics, less can mean more controversy. Will voters embrace the Sankalp or sense a Sorry? Results on November 20 will reveal all.
Stay tuned—Bihar's surprises aren't over.
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