Tejashwi Yadav Calls for Ideological Fusion of Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad to Empower the Poor
In a powerful address at the RJD state headquarters in Patna, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the party's working president and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, rallied workers to integrate the philosophies of two socialist stalwarts. He emphasized merging the thoughts of former Chief Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Karpoori Thakur with those of RJD national president and ex-CM Lalu Prasad. This fusion, he argued, is essential to advance the cause of social justice and secularism, focusing on uplifting impoverished and marginalized communities across Bihar and beyond.
Sharp Critique of NDA Government and Upcoming Accountability
Launching a direct attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA administration, Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of sidelining elected representatives and allowing corruption to flourish. "Those elected by the people are not getting a proper hearing. It is the corrupt who are running the government," he declared. He highlighted that only four days remain before the expiration of a 100-day reprieve he had granted to the current regime. Upon its conclusion, he vowed to publicly expose the government's actions and failures, promising to inform citizens about their deeds in detail.
Emphasizing Unity and Constitutional Threats
Tejashwi stressed the urgent need for ideological cohesion within the RJD and among its supporters. "We have to take the thoughts of Karpoori Thakur to Delhi. To strengthen and spread the ideological planks of social justice and secularism, it is necessary that we, and all our party functionaries and members, work on the path shown by the two," he asserted. He called for a vigorous fight to secure the rights, honor, dignity, and causes of the poor. Additionally, he warned that not only are the rights of the underprivileged being eroded, but the Constitution, democratic institutions, and democracy itself are under threat, exacerbating oppression against deprived sections.
Personal Reflections and Family Legacy
Although Tejashwi never met Karpoori Thakur personally, he shared that his parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, have enriched his understanding through their memories. "My mother told me that as and when Thakur visited them, they used to hear him speak with interest. It is my firm belief that the thoughts of Thakur should be taken to every household," he recounted. He also defended his father, claiming Lalu Prasad has been unfairly implicated in cases due to a "conspiracy" but has remained steadfast in his commitment to secular principles.
Addressing Political Challenges and Future Strategy
Tejashwi criticized alleged maneuvers aimed at demoralizing RJD supporters ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, noting that despite such efforts, the party garnered an impressive 1.90 crore votes in recent polls. He reaffirmed the party's dedication to strengthening its presence both within Bihar and externally. "We will work to strengthen the party both in and outside Bihar," he pledged, signaling a robust campaign strategy moving forward.
Broad Support from Senior RJD Leaders
The event, marking the 38th death anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, saw widespread endorsement from key RJD figures. State party chief Mangani Lal Mandal, former assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary, and senior leaders such as Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Ram Chandra Purbey, Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, Kanti Singh, and Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav all expressed solidarity with Tejashwi's call. Their collective backing underscores the party's unified front in championing socialist ideals and opposing the current government's policies.
