In a recent press conference, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav confidently dismissed reports of internal conflicts within the Mahagathbandhan alliance. He assured the public that any perceived issues would be swiftly clarified, stating, “There are absolutely no disputes. All your questions will be addressed very soon.” He conveyed a sense of unity and impending resolution.
Editorial | Cold calculations: On rival fronts, preparing for the Bihar polls
Beyond alliance dynamics, Mr. Yadav, who previously served as Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, made a significant promise regarding contractual employees, or ‘samvida karmi’. He criticized their current precarious situation, where they undertake vital government duties but face arbitrary termination without justification. “Should the Mahagathbandhan come to power, all these dedicated employees across the state will be granted permanent government status, ending their exploitation,” he pledged, aiming to bring stability to their careers.

Highlighting the crucial need for economic justice in Bihar, the Leader of Opposition further announced two groundbreaking schemes for women should the Mahagathbandhan form the next government: the BETI and MAA Yojanas. “The BETI Yojana, standing for Benefit, Education, Training, and Income, will offer comprehensive support to our daughters from birth, guiding them towards financial independence. Concurrently, the MAA Yojana, focusing on Makaan (housing), Ann (food), and Aamdani (income), will address fundamental needs for mothers. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring economic fairness for every woman in Bihar,” Yadav passionately explained.

These policy revelations set the stage for a pivotal meeting in Patna between Mr. Yadav and veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot. The leaders aim to resolve the intricacies of seat-sharing, with another Mahagathbandhan press conference anticipated to follow, where further details are expected to be revealed. Arriving in Patna ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Mr. Gehlot echoed Yadav’s sentiments, asserting that any minor disagreements within the alliance over a small number of the 243 seats are entirely typical and not indicative of a larger conflict. “There is no dispute in Mahagathbandhan,” Gehlot affirmed to reporters. “Given the scale of such a broad alliance, slight differences over a handful of seats are par for the course and certainly not unusual in any state-level coalition.”