PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and the opposition’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, has launched a strong attack against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yadav claims that Kumar has been effectively ‘hijacked’ by the BJP and will not be reappointed as Chief Minister, even if the NDA alliance secures victory in the upcoming elections. He stated that BJP leaders Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are exerting control over Bihar from the outside.
Addressing a rally in Saharsa district, Yadav urged voters to support a ‘Bihari’ candidate rather than ‘outsiders.’ The Opposition Grand Alliance recently declared Yadav as their chief ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahani of the VIP party as their deputy chief ministerial nominee for the upcoming assembly polls.
Yadav expressed his disappointment with the current state of Bihar, despite 20 years of JD(U)-led NDA rule. He highlighted issues of widespread unemployment, corruption, and a prevailing sense of impunity for criminals. “As a Bihari, I feel anguished to see the poor condition of Bihar,” he said, adding that the state continues to have the lowest per capita income and its farmers remain impoverished.
He pledged to lead a government that is responsive to public grievances, providing affordable medicines and job opportunities. Responding to accusations regarding corruption cases involving his family, including the alleged IRCTC hotels scam, Yadav stated, “Lalu Yadav did not fear Modi. His son would also not be afraid.”
Yadav confidently asserted that his government would achieve in 20 months what the NDA government failed to accomplish in 20 years. He emphasized the public’s desire for a Bihar free from corruption and crime, one that attracts investment for growth.
The INDIA bloc’s promises if voted to power include reducing LPG cylinder prices to ₹500, increasing the old-age pension to ₹1,500, regularizing contractual workers, and ensuring a government job in every household.
During a rally in Muzaffarpur, Yadav also pointed out the lack of government support for promoting local products like the region’s famous litchis. He expressed his ambition to set a world record for providing employment once his alliance comes to power in the 2025 assembly elections.