Both the BJP and INDIA bloc manifestos for the Jharkhand Assembly polls have an array of welfare schemes, in almost a battle of one-upmanship, as they attempt to reach out to their core constituencies.

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday claimed that BJP’s favourability is declining as people are fed up with its “policies” and “misuse of agencies”, and predicted the victory of INDIA bloc in Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls.

North Chotanagpur region in Jharkhand, a key path to power with 25 Assembly seats, sees intense political battles.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said the INDIA bloc is “committed to protecting the interests of the minorities in the state”.

Congress-RJD-CPI-ML alliance has launched its manifesto, promising a slew of welfare benefits. These include job creation, enhanced health insurance, increased reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, and a higher minimum support price for farmers.

The ruling alliance in Jharkhand introduced seven core guarantees, which include enhancing reservation quotas for various communities.

The INDIA bloc promised to increase reservations to 28 per cent for STs, 12 per cent for SCs and 27 per cent for OBCs in the state.

M, unveiled a joint manifesto for Jharkhand Assembly elections, promising seven guarantees. Voting will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23.