In a significant political development, the newly elected legislators of the INDIA bloc have thrown their weight behind Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, unanimously selecting him as the coalition's leader in the Bihar state assembly. This decision comes despite the bloc's disappointing performance in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Unity Display Amid Electoral Setback
The INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, Left parties, VIP, and IIP, managed to secure only 35 seats in the 243-member Bihar assembly, a stark contrast to the NDA's impressive tally of 202 seats. Despite this severe electoral setback, the coalition demonstrated unity by rallying behind Tejashwi Yadav during a meeting held at his official residence on Saturday.
The meeting, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, saw all alliance partners agreeing on Yadav's leadership. The timing of this decision is particularly significant as it comes just two days before the commencement of the five-day session of the new assembly, scheduled to begin from December 1.
Opposition's Resolve Despite Diminished Numbers
RJD legislator Bhai Birendra, while addressing media persons after the meeting, confirmed that Tejashwi Yadav was unanimously elected as the leader of the opposition in the state legislature. Birendra emphasized that their morale remains high despite the reduced numbers, asserting that they would strongly oppose the government's wrong policies in the House.
CPIM legislator Ajay Kumar echoed similar sentiments, stating that although their numbers were small this time, they would forcefully raise the people's issues. Kumar added that the opposition alliance would play the role of a powerful opposition and bring critical matters such as vote theft, SIR, law and order, and corruption to the forefront.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractices
State RJD president Mangani Lal Mandal made serious allegations against the conduct of the recently held assembly elections. Interacting with reporters, Mandal claimed that the elections were marred by electoral malpractices and accused the Election Commission of remaining silent observer.
Mandal specifically alleged that Chunao kadachar-yukt hua hai, dhandhli hui hai, jadu-tona hua hai (the elections were tainted by malpractices, rigging occurred, and black magic was used). However, these claims came barely a day after the Election Commission stated that opposition parties in Bihar had failed to substantiate their allegations of vote theft and rigging.
The Election Commission clarified on Friday that no application for checking and verification of burnt memory or microcontroller had been received from any losing candidate in respect of any of the 243 assembly constituencies of Bihar in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) chief IP Gupta declared that the low tally would not dampen their enthusiasm, emphasizing that number doesn't matter; what matters is their enthusiasm. Gupta affirmed that they would not be deterred from raising public concerns despite the electoral setback.
The INDIA bloc's decision to project unity and prepare for a combative role in the state legislature indicates their determination to remain relevant in Bihar politics despite the overwhelming majority of the ruling NDA alliance.
