Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has promised reservation for upper castes for jobs and regularisation of contract employees in the state government.

Like the promise of his rival, Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he has also promised reservation for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and backward classes in the private sector. And, said if the UPA coalition returns to power in Delhi, it would emphasise on reservation in the judiciary.

Prasad has also promised fresh investment in delayed railway projects at Saran, Madhepura and Rohtas. He said, "We have done so much for the state. I initiated those projects but they got stalled once we were voted out. If we get significant seats this time and the (Congress-led) UPA returns to power, we will infuse fresh capital in those projects."



As the then rail minister, he had approved locomotive factories at Madhepura and Saran districts. The railways are keen to complete these but funds are scarce.

"We believe in inclusive growth. Therefore, weaker sections of the upper castes must also get the benefits of reservation," he said. The JD (U) had on Saturday promised special schemes for poor people of the upper castes.