A social media post by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claiming that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has gone 'missing' from Bihar's political landscape has reignited a fierce political debate in the state. The post, which surfaced on Wednesday, came in the wake of the RJD's significant defeat in the recent Bihar assembly elections.
The 'Missing' Poster and Accusations
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by the BJP, launched a sharp attack on the Leader of the Opposition. The BJP issued a poster humorously titled 'Missing Tejashwi', stating that party members were searching for him. The poster alleged, "He was last seen running away after hiding his face from the media." This digital move intensified the political atmosphere in Patna.
Supporting the BJP's stance, JD(U) MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar launched a personal critique. He remarked that Tejashwi Yadav first ran away from school and is now allegedly running away from politics. Kumar connected the leader's absence to a political rejection by the people of Bihar, who limited the RJD to just 25 seats in the 243-member assembly.
RJD's Counter: Claim of 'Tejashwi Phobia'
The RJD was quick to retaliate, framing the NDA's attacks as a sign of deep-seated anxiety. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan asserted that the ruling coalition's reaction indicates it suffers from "Tejashwi phobia." He provocatively stated that if the NDA's response is any indicator, Tejashwi Yadav, who leads only 25 MLAs, weighs heavier on their minds than their own leader who commands 202 seats.
Gagan further accused the NDA of securing a "managed mandate" and claimed that the coalition continues to operate under panic due to Tejashwi's enduring popularity. "The masses are with Tejashwi Ji although the NDA won elections," he claimed, dismissing the attacks as attempts to target the leader in his absence.
The Context of Absence and a Foreign Trip
The controversy finds its roots in Tejashwi Yadav's markedly low public profile following the RJD's crushing defeat in the assembly polls concluded last month. Observers noted his absence from most of the five-day assembly session that followed. Subsequently, it was reported that he left for a foreign country along with his wife and two children, although his party or family has not officially confirmed this tour.
This behavior presents a stark contrast to his highly visible campaign persona. Before the election results were declared, Tejashwi was a constant presence, holding regular press conferences and even announcing prospective dates for his swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister—a scenario that did not materialize after the NDA's victory.
The political slugfest, centered on a leader's post-poll conduct, underscores the heightened tensions in Bihar politics. While the NDA frames it as accountability after a defeat, the RJD portrays it as the victor's insecurity, ensuring that Tejashwi Yadav remains at the heart of the state's political discourse even when not physically present.
