Bihar, Nov.03,2025:Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second has become the rallying cry of opposition leaders after the release of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) manifesto for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The press conference announcing it lasted only 26 seconds, prompting senior Indian National Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to label the exercise a “bundle of lies” and an insult to democracy-
This extraordinary brevity has triggered outrage and debate, and suggests that the NDA is either extremely confident or deeply cautious. The phrase “Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second” now encapsulates a potent mix of electoral theatrics, governance questions and strategic positioning.
What happened at the press conference
The NDA held a joint press conference in Patna to unveil its “Sankalp Patra” (pledge document) for the Bihar elections. But according to multiple accounts-
- The programme lasted just 26 seconds from the time it commenced to its conclusion.
- The state’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reportedly did not address the media; only Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary answered a few questions.
- Opposition leaders claim the NDA rushed the event because of underlying anxiety about facing journalists or accountability.
In short, the Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second moment has become symbolic of a campaign anchored more in optics than detailed dialogue.
Key figures and their reactions
Ashok Gehlot
The former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader slammed the event-
“They came, showed their faces and left… clearly afraid of the media.”
He also challenged PM Narendra Modi on past package promises (like a ₹1.25 lakh crore special package for Bihar) which he claimed remain unfulfilled.
Akhilesh Prasad Singh
Congress MP and former Pradesh president criticized the NDA for the “seven second photo-shoot” nature of the launch, asserting that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was reduced to a figurehead.
Tejashwi Yadav
Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD called the document a “report card of lies, deceit and hollow promises.” He contrasted it with the opposition’s own “Sorry Patra” motif, mocking the NDA’s strategy.
The substance of the Bihar NDA manifesto
Despite the brevity of its release, the NDA’s manifesto contained sweeping promises-
- 1 crore government jobs for youth in Bihar.
- Free education KG to PG, and monthly aid for SC/ST students.
- Metro train services in four cities, seven international airports, 10 industrial parks, seven expressways.
- Financial assistance for EBCs (Extremely Backward Classes) and women (e.g., “Lakhpati Didi” scheme).
However, critics argue that while the content is ambitious, the Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second release offers little time for scrutiny or questions—and thus raises doubts about depth and deliverability.
Why the “26-second” tagline matters
Symbolism of haste
A press conference that lasts barely half a minute sends a potent message: the NDA may be trying to avoid scrutiny. The opposition has seized on this, asserting the alliance fears questions about its 20-year governance record.
Media perception & trust
Journalists present at the event reportedly called it “the shortest press conference” of their careers. That perception undermines trust in transparency and engagement.
Electoral optics
As campaign narratives go, the Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second shorthand becomes a rhetorical device: a way for opponents to paint the ruling alliance as dismissive of dialogue, accountability and public scrutiny.
Implications for the election campaign
For the NDA
- Risk of appearing aloof: By limiting engagement, the NDA may alienate the very voters it needs to reassure.
- Defining the narrative: Instead of the manifesto content, the manner of release may become the dominating talking point in the campaign.
- Strategic gamble: They’ve declared large promises but wrapped them in minimalistic form—if delivery falters, the style may hurt credibility.
For the opposition
- A launching pad: The Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second criticism gives the opposition a consistent message slot—“lack of transparency, lack of substance”.
- Focus shift: Rather than just opposing policies, they can question process and tone.
For voters
- Mixed signals: Voters are confronted with grand promises, but the release format raises questions about accountability.
- Early skepticism: With launch optics already under fire, the NDA may have to work harder in the field to regain confidence.
Criticisms of law-and-order and governance
Beyond process, the opposition leveraged the moment to question governance under the NDA in Bihar-
- Ashok Gehlot flagged broken promises of past packages and unfulfilled commitments.
- Akhilesh Singh pointed to alleged police and law-and-order lapses.
- There is a broader narrative: if the manifesto came out so quickly, perhaps because the governing alliance doesn’t want to revisit its 20-year record under questioning.
what this says about the NDA
Bold promises, minimal engagement
The NDA’s document features sweeping ambitions. But the press event’s brevity might reflect-
- A desire to minimise risk — avoid journalist questions or unscripted moments.
- A confidence in brand/promise over detailed scrutiny.
- A calculation that the opposition’s critique will not sway base support.
Opening space for governors
While the NDA tries to shape the narrative of development and promise, the “26-second” episode hands the opposition a durable tagline. Opponents now have an easy repeatable line: “When you can’t answer questions, you get a 26-second press conference.”
Opposition responses in depth
Ashok Gehlot’s critique
He called the event a “mockery of democracy” and demanded a report-card of work done, rather than new promises wrapped in light fanfare.
Tejashwi Yadav’s framing
He turned the manifesto into a referendum on trust: calling it shallow, urging voters to demand “Sorry Patra” instead.
Media & public columns
Editorials and journalists noted that the Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second tag will likely linger beyond just the campaign, influencing how governance and communication are perceived.
Bihar politics and legacy
Bihar is a state shaped by decades of coalition politics, caste dynamics, development deficits, and ambitious manpower potential. The upcoming elections are critical: not just for the NDA or the opposition, but for how voters view promises vs delivery.
The fact that the NDA feels confident in launching a high-ambition manifesto in 26 seconds may reflect-
- A belief in established brand presence.
- A pivot toward image over interrogation.
- A shift in campaign tactics from substance to spectacle.
Setting the scene for November
As the campaign moves forward, the Bihar NDA manifesto 26-second moment will remain a reference point. For the NDA, the challenge will be to convert ambition into action and rebuild engagement with voters who may interpret brevity as reticence. For the opposition, the hurdle will be to move beyond the optics and offer compelling alternatives.
