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As CNN-News18 discovered, the issue resonates even with his political critics
The employment pitch of the Mahagathbandhan and the lure of a possible government job is an issue that voters find tough to ignore. (File pic/PTI)
Tejashwi Yadav has promised one government job per family in his Bihar election manifesto. “A government job within 20 days of coming to power,” declares the manifesto, named “Tejashwi Patra”.
As CNN-News18 discovered, the issue resonates even with his political critics.
Ramesh Patel is a job seeker. He has finished his Inter College (+2) and is preparing for competitive exams. “My village has the best school. But what is the point? I am struggling to find a job after my studies,” he says.
At Kalyan Bigha, chief minister Nitish Kumar’s village in Nalanda district, a group of youngsters are resting after Chhath festivities. The incumbent CM is their political choice, but Tejashwi’s job promise deeply resonates with them.
“I have some land, but it is not enough, so I drive a truck on the side. There are no jobs available. If someone started a factory or industry here, I wouldn’t have to drive 12-15 hours to sustain myself,” says Naval Kumar.
Guddu chimes in, “Biharis work hard. We go to other states, till their lands, fix their homes, yet there is no ‘izzat’ (dignity). A job that gives us due respect is all we seek,” says Guddu, who didn’t continue education after class 12.
When asked why they all seek government jobs, the group responds in unison, “No job security in the private sector.”
“First, there are limited vacancies. We study hard to compete in the general quota, and just on the eve of the exam, there is a paper leak, followed by the exam getting postponed. My age is running out,” says Vikas Kumar.
This group of young Bihari voters appreciates Nitish Kumar for “vikas” (development). They declare that “jaati” (caste) won’t decide their vote. Yet, the employment pitch of the Mahagathbandhan and the lure of a possible government job is an issue they find tough to ignore.
Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero …Read More
Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero … Read More
Nalanda, India, India
October 29, 2025, 00:00 IST
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