Tejashwi Yadav’s Sharp Attack on BJP
In a fiery press conference ahead of the Bihar elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the saffron party would never allow Nitish Kumar to retain the chief minister’s post if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returns to power. His remarks came as the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), led by the RJD, released its manifesto, packed with welfare promises for farmers, youth, and marginalized groups.
Key Highlights of Mahagathbandhan’s Manifesto
Titled “Bihar Ka Haq” (Bihar’s Right), the manifesto focuses on employment, education, and social justice. Key promises include:
- 10 lakh government jobs in five years
- Complete farm loan waiver for struggling farmers
- Free education for girls up to postgraduate level
- Caste census implementation for fair resource allocation
- Upgraded healthcare with free treatment for critical illnesses
Tejashwi Yadav framed these pledges as a commitment to “rozi-roti, padhai, aur dawai” (livelihood, education, and healthcare), contrasting his alliance’s priorities with the NDA’s record.
BJP Hits Back at Tejashwi’s Claims
The BJP dismissed Tejashwi’s allegations, with Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary stating: “Nitish Kumar is NDA’s undisputed leader in Bihar. The BJP respects coalition dharma, unlike RJD’s dynastic politics.” Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) avoided direct engagement but reaffirmed its loyalty to the NDA.
Political Strategy Behind Tejashwi’s Remarks
Analysts see Tejashwi’s statement as an attempt to:
1. Undermine JD(U)-BJP trust by questioning Nitish’s future in the alliance.
2. Woo disillusioned voters, particularly backward classes and youth, with job guarantees and social justice reforms.
High-Stakes Bihar Poll Battle
With voting dates nearing, the BJP is leveraging PM Modi’s popularity and Nitish’s governance record, while the Mahagathbandhan is banking on Tejashwi’s grassroots appeal and its welfare-focused agenda. The BJP’s assurances to Nitish Kumar may face scrutiny, especially if voters perceive the party as dominating the alliance.
