The electoral battle for Bihar is in full swing. Contesting parties have promised the moon for the state’s 130 million people — the second most populous in India. The main Opposition bloc, the Mahagathbandhan, has made the most promises. It promises “one job per family within 20 days of government formation, with job process to begin within 20 months”. Bihar has 2.97 crore families. Even at Rs 15,000-20,000 per month, the total expenditure on the schemes would be Rs 5.35 to Rs 7.13 lakh crore annually. Bihar’s 2025-26 budget is Rs 3.17 lakh crore. This simple arithmetic proves the hollowness in the Mahagatbandhan’s thinking. The manifesto also promises Rs 5 lakh “interest-free cash transfers” for five years, procurement guarantees for crops, and 200 units of free electricity. Clearly, Biha

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