Bihar – Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Alliance, claiming that the BJP will not make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister after the Bihar Assembly elections. The Tejashwi Yadav BJP confrontation escalated on Tuesday as the opposition alliance released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’ in Patna.
The political discourse has intensified with Tejashwi Yadav’s sharp criticism of the BJP-led NDA coalition, alleging that the current Chief Minister is being used as a mere figurehead while the real power dynamics favor different leadership arrangements post-election.
Tejashwi Yadav BJP Allegations: Nitish Kumar as ‘Puppet’
During a press conference in Patna, the Tejashwi Yadav BJP criticism took center stage as he characterized Nitish Kumar’s position within the NDA as that of a “puppet.” According to Tejashwi Yadav, the BJP is strategically using Kumar’s face for electoral advantage without genuine commitment to his continued leadership.
“Nitish Kumar is like a puppet in NDA. The BJP is just using the face of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar,” Tejashwi stated emphatically. He further referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statements, claiming, “Amit Shah has already confirmed that Nitish Kumar will not become the CM of Bihar. He said that the MLAs will decide the CM for Bihar. BJP will not make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister after the elections.”
This Tejashwi Yadav BJP confrontation highlights a strategic attempt to create doubt among NDA supporters about Kumar’s political future and leadership prospects.
Leadership Contrast: Clear CM Face vs Uncertainty
Drawing a sharp contrast with the NDA’s approach, the Tejashwi Yadav BJP critique emphasized the INDIA alliance’s transparent leadership structure. “The INDIA alliance has declared me as the CM face, but the NDA has not done even a single press conference to declare who will be the CM face of the NDA,” Tejashwi pointed out.
This criticism forms a central pillar of the Tejashwi Yadav BJP attack strategy, positioning the Mahagathbandhan as offering clarity and certainty to voters regarding post-election governance, in contrast to what he portrays as NDA’s ambiguity.
Serious Allegations of Vote Manipulation
The Tejashwi Yadav BJP accusations extended beyond leadership questions to raise serious concerns about electoral integrity. The RJD leader alleged that central forces have been deployed in unprecedented numbers for the Bihar elections to “steal votes” through deliberate slow polling in Mahagathbandhan strongholds.
“We have seen that, for the first time in Bihar, 1,500 companies of central forces are being deployed,” Tejashwi stated. He claimed to have information about specific instructions given to these forces regarding polling procedures.
The Tejashwi Yadav BJP allegations included claims that instructions have been issued for slow polling in booths where the Mahagathbandhan has strong support, suggesting a systematic attempt at vote manipulation. “We came to know that instructions have been given for slow polling in the booths where Mahagathbandhan has a stronghold,” he asserted.
Appeal to Central Forces Officers
In a direct appeal to deployed officers, the Tejashwi Yadav BJP criticism was tempered with requests for professional conduct. “I would like to humbly say to all those officers who have taken an oath to the Constitution: do not carry out anyone’s wrongful orders, do not act dictatorially, do not be dishonest, and do not steal votes,” Tejashwi urged.
He emphasized that the Mahagathbandhan and Bihar’s people remain vigilant against any attempts at electoral malpractice. “This time, the people of Bihar, all of us in the Mahagathbandhan, are vigilant. The people will not allow their policy of deceit and dictatorship to succeed,” the RJD leader declared.
Mahagathbandhan Manifesto Promises
Alongside the Tejashwi Yadav BJP confrontation, the Mahagathbandhan released its comprehensive manifesto making several significant promises. The alliance has committed to passing legislation within 20 days of forming government to provide government jobs to one member of every family in the state.
Under the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’, women will receive financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The manifesto also promises implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), addressing a long-standing demand from government employees.
The alliance has pledged to put the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on hold and make Waqf property management “welfare-oriented and transparent,” taking a clear position on this contentious issue.
Deputy CM Face Mukesh Sahani’s Statement
Vikassheel Insaan Party chief and Mahagathbandhan’s Deputy CM face, Mukesh Sahani, supported the Tejashwi Yadav BJP criticism during the manifesto launch. “Today we have launched the Sankalp Patra for a new Bihar. For the next 30-35 years, we will work for the service of the people of Bihar,” Sahani stated.
He contrasted the alliance’s vision with the NDA’s approach: “On the other hand, the NDA has no ‘Sankalp’.”
Electoral Landscape and Competition
The Tejashwi Yadav BJP confrontation unfolds against the backdrop of Bihar’s complex electoral landscape. The Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, includes Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and VIP. The NDA comprises BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
Additionally, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has entered the fray, contesting all 243 seats. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14.
Conclusion: Battle for Bihar’s Future
The Tejashwi Yadav BJP allegations represent a multi-pronged strategy combining leadership questions, electoral integrity concerns, and welfare promises. Expressing confidence in victory, Tejashwi stated, “The people of Bihar are desperate and eager for a change of power.” As voting day approaches, these accusations and promises will significantly influence Bihar’s political discourse and potentially determine the state’s governance direction for years to come.
