NDA Leaders Condemn Tejashwi Yadav for Criticizing Bihar During Kerala Campaign
In a sharp political rebuke, leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar have launched a concerted attack on Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the Bihar assembly, accusing him of maligning his own state for electoral advantages. The controversy erupted following Yadav's recent comments made during election campaigning in Kerala, where he reportedly described Bihar as the poorest state in India.
Chirag Paswan's Strong Retort at Patna Airport
Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan led the charge, addressing the media at Patna airport on Thursday. Paswan expressed his dismay at Yadav's statements, emphasizing that while the RJD leader travels to other states to highlight Bihar's poverty, he fails to acknowledge the historical context. "He should explain who is responsible for keeping Bihar impoverished," Paswan asserted, indirectly pointing to the RJD's past governance. He argued that such remarks undermine the state's dignity and are driven solely by political motives during the Kerala elections.
Giriraj Singh's Sarcastic Jibe
Adding to the criticism, BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh used a traditional Bihari proverb to mock Yadav's actions. Singh remarked, "There is a cliché in Bihar villages: 'appan biyah nahi, Surdas ke bartuhari' (not getting himself married but mediating for others). The people of Bihar have already shown him a mirror, and now he is trying to become an international leader." This comment was a pointed reference to Yadav's involvement in Kerala's political scene, where he is campaigning for three Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidates in constituencies like Vadakara, Kuthuparamba, and Kalpetta.
JD(U) and HAM(S) Join the Fray
The Janata Dal (United) also vehemently opposed Yadav's statements. Minister Shrawan Kumar labeled the remarks as an insult to Bihar and its 140 million residents. He contrasted the RJD's 15-year rule, which he associated with scams and kidnappings, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's two-decade tenure focused on development, law and order, and communal harmony. Kumar highlighted the state's progress under the current administration, urging Yadav to recognize these achievements instead of spreading negativity.
Santosh Kumar Suman, national president of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), echoed these sentiments, attributing Yadav's comments to a "negative and irresponsible political mindset." Suman emphasized that Bihar is forging a new identity through continuous advancements in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety. He further alleged that Yadav's persistent political failures have left him distressed and frustrated, leading to such disparaging remarks.
Broader Implications for Bihar's Image
The NDA's unified response underscores a broader effort to defend Bihar's reputation amid ongoing electoral dynamics. Leaders argue that Yadav's actions not only harm the state's image but also distract from substantive issues. As the political discourse intensifies, this incident highlights the tensions between regional pride and national campaigning, with Bihar's development narrative taking center stage in the debate.
