The opening of the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna has been marked by a surprising shift in political tone, with opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) emerging as a figure of measured statesmanship. After maintaining a public silence for 17 days following the November 14 assembly election results, Yadav's conduct in the House has drawn significant attention for its decorum and maturity.
A Seasoned Debut from the Opposition Bench
The defining moment came when Tejashwi Yadav rose to welcome the newly elected Speaker, Prem Kumar of the BJP. In a speech that impressed the assembly, he extended best wishes to everyone from the Speaker and Chief Minister to all newly-elected members. Notably, his address deliberately avoided any mention of his party's past allegations of "vote theft," focusing instead on constructive cooperation.
Addressing the Speaker, Yadav stated, "You come from the land of knowledge and salvation, and hope you will discharge your duty properly without being biased towards anyone." Turning to the Chief Minister, he added, "I wish you all the best and that you remain healthy to take Bihar forward successfully." Analysts observed that his serious yet composed demeanour carried neither bitterness nor political accusations, signalling a new chapter of political maturity.
Cross-Party Warmth and Notable Gestures
The first day of the new House, Monday, was characterized by unexpected warmth across political divides. Key moments included:
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP) receiving a warm embrace from Tejashwi Yadav.
- A brief, cordial handshake between Yadav and BJP Deputy CM and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, a stark contrast to their past confrontations.
- Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav hugging Tejashwi, stating he regards him first as a family member and then as a party leader.
In another significant gesture, JD(U) legislator Chetan Anand, son of former strongman Anand Mohan, touched Tejashwi Yadav's feet after taking his oath, setting aside political rivalry. This act held personal significance as Tejashwi had brought Chetan into active politics by fielding him from the Sheohar seat on an RJD ticket in 2020, ensuring his victory.
Signalling a Constructive Opposition Role
Tejashwi Yadav's final words to the Speaker carried substantial political weight and outlined his vision for the opposition's role. He asserted, "Whenever you need us, the opposition will stand with you, but when necessary, we will not back down from showing the mirror to the government." This statement effectively balanced the promise of cooperation with the duty of holding the ruling dispensation accountable.
Political observers in Patna view this poised debut as a strategic shift. By choosing respect and measured speech over immediate confrontation, the RJD leader has positioned himself as a seasoned leader ready for the long-term challenges of Bihar politics. His actions over these two days suggest a focus on building a credible and responsible image for the opposition, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly.
