Tejashwi Yadav Dismisses NDA's Chief Ministerial Speculation as Irrelevant
In Patna, amid intense speculation within NDA circles regarding the next chief ministerial candidate following Nitish Kumar's oath as a Rajya Sabha member, RJD national working president Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday asserted that the issue holds no priority for the people of Bihar. He emphasized that the real concern is the deteriorating state of governance under the current administration.
Focus on Governance, Not Leadership Changes
"Who will be the next CM is not the issue. It does not make any difference. The reality is that Bihar has become 'badhaal' (in a very bad shape), and they (the NDA government) have destroyed it," Tejashwi told reporters on the sidelines of a party conference for minority communities in Patna. He argued that the public is more concerned with tangible governance failures rather than political maneuvering at the top.
Allegations of BJP's Role in Nitish Kumar's Exit
Commenting on Nitish Kumar's departure from the chief minister's post, Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the decision was orchestrated by the BJP. "Internally, it was already decided by them. Nitish has no role in it. He has been shifted to Delhi despite his unwillingness. Whoever becomes CM will not have the people's mandate," he stated, suggesting a lack of democratic legitimacy in the transition.
He further claimed that senior JD(U) leaders were "under fear of the CBI and ED or under pressure of inducement" and had effectively "trapped Nitish" into this move. However, when asked about the BJP potentially overshadowing the JD(U), Tejashwi declined to comment, noting, "It is JD(U)'s internal matter."
Anticipated Move and Criticism of Governance
Regarding Nitish Kumar's elevation to the Rajya Sabha, Tejashwi Yadav revealed that his party had anticipated this development. "We have been saying from the beginning that they (BJP) would not allow Nitish to continue as CM. It was their thinking during the 2025 assembly elections, but they did not have the courage to say it then," he explained, highlighting long-standing political tensions.
Tejashwi sharply criticized the state government's performance, asserting that governance has deteriorated across multiple sectors. "Talk about law and order, farmers' issues, healthcare, or education—Bihar is suffering on all fronts," he declared, painting a bleak picture of administrative failures.
Inaction Under the "Double-Engine Government"
He also alleged significant inaction under the so-called "double-engine government," citing specific examples such as crop losses due to recent hailstorms, a murder case in Araria, and uncertainty surrounding TRE-4. These instances, he argued, demonstrate the government's inability to address pressing public issues effectively.
Questioning the stability of the administration, Tejashwi pointed out, "A government is elected for five years, but it keeps changing. The one formed just five months ago is being changed again. How many times will it change?" This remark underscores his view of political instability as a core problem in Bihar's governance.
Overall, Tejashwi Yadav's comments reflect a strong critique of the NDA's handling of Bihar, focusing on governance failures and alleged political coercion rather than the speculation over leadership changes.
