Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, is actively campaigning across the state, delivering up to 12 rallies daily. In a candid conversation during the Chhath festival, Yadav shared his vision for Bihar’s future, emphasizing his dedication to tackling unemployment. He also addressed internal alliance dynamics and refuted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allegations of a potential return to ‘jungle raj’ if the Mahagathbandhan wins.
Job Promises and Funding
Responding to skepticism about his promise of government jobs for every household lacking government employment, Yadav stated, “I am here to do politics for a long time and I fully understand that talking about frivolous things or making some half-baked promises will not help me.” He highlighted the RJD-led government’s success in providing 500,000 jobs during their 17-month tenure. Yadav assured that a detailed financial blueprint for all their promises, including job creation, making outsourced staff permanent, and providing financial assistance for self-employment, would be revealed soon.
Development and Alliance Strategies
Yadav criticized the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for merely mimicking the Mahagathbandhan’s agenda, pointing to differences in promises such as free electricity units and financial aid to women. He emphasized the RJD’s inclusive approach in ticket distribution, ensuring representation from various sections of society, including women and backward classes. Yadav expressed strong confidence in securing women’s votes, citing the government’s failure to address their concerns regarding wages.
Challenge to Nitish Kumar and Future Alliances
Dismissing any significant challenge from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Yadav remarked, “CM Nitish Kumar is not in good health and has lost control over the administration. He is not coming back.” He confidently stated that the JD(U) would cease to exist after the polls, ruling out any possibility of future realignments. Regarding other parties, he remained unfazed, stating, “It is people of the state who will decide.”
Election Prospects and Opposition Allegations
Yadav expressed firm belief in the Mahagathbandhan securing a clear majority, citing electoral malpractices in the previous election as a reason for their narrow defeat. He assured vigilance against any manipulation this time. Addressing the ‘jungle raj’ narrative propagated by the NDA, Yadav pointed to NCRB data to counter claims about deteriorating law and order in Bihar, stressing his priority on maintaining peace and order to attract investment.
He also addressed reports of internal friction within the alliance, terming them as “friendly contests” that are common and are being resolved amicably, emphasizing the unity of all allies.
Waqf Act and State Rights
Clarifying his stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, Yadav stated that his government would not implement it in Bihar, citing precedents set by other states and asserting the state’s right to manage its own affairs.
Key Takeaways from Tejashwi Yadav’s Interview:
- No Realignment with JD(U): Yadav firmly stated there is “no question of any realignment” with the JD(U) or Nitish Kumar, predicting the JD(U)’s political decline.
- Focus on Jobs: He reiterated the promise of government jobs for every household and assured a transparent financial plan to back these promises.
- Development Agenda: Yadav criticized the NDA for adopting the Mahagathbandhan’s development ideas and highlighted his alliance’s commitment to social welfare schemes for women.
- Confidence in Victory: He expressed strong optimism about winning a clear majority in the upcoming elections, vowing to prevent electoral malpractice.
- Law and Order: Yadav countered the ‘jungle raj’ narrative by emphasizing his focus on improving law and order as a priority for attracting investment.