Bihar – Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has categorically dismissed any possibility of future political realignment between his party and the Janata Dal (United), making the Tejashwi Yadav JDU relationship a central talking point in Bihar’s electoral landscape. In a comprehensive interview during the Chhath festival, the 35-year-old Mahagathbandhan chief ministerial face addressed crucial questions about Bihar’s future, employment promises, and political alliances.
Tejashwi Yadav JDU Alliance Prospects Firmly Rejected
When questioned about speculation regarding post-poll realignment, the Tejashwi Yadav JDU relationship was definitively addressed. “First, there is no question of any realignment with the JD(U) or CM Kumar in the near future,” Yadav stated emphatically. He went further to predict that “after the polls, the JD(U) will be finished and the party will cease to exist,” making any discussion of Tejashwi Yadav JDU cooperation entirely moot.
This strong stance on the Tejashwi Yadav JDU dynamic marks a significant shift in Bihar’s political narrative, as the RJD leader has ruled out any possibility of working with Nitish Kumar’s party going forward.
Ambitious Employment Promise for Every Household
Yadav has made employment generation the cornerstone of his campaign, promising government jobs to every household in Bihar not currently covered under government employment. This ambitious plan, covering approximately 20 million households, has drawn criticism from the BJP as mere poll rhetoric, but Yadav defended it vigorously.
“I am here to do politics for a long time and I fully understand that talking about frivolous things or making some half-baked promises will not help me,” Yadav explained. He cited his track record as deputy chief minister for 17 months in the Mahagathbandhan government from August 2022 to January 2024, when his administration provided jobs to 500,000 people including teachers.
The RJD leader revealed that his team has consulted with experts and prepared a comprehensive blueprint addressing funding arrangements and revenue generation strategies. “We will unveil the blueprint in the next few days and put it before the people. It will be done before the elections,” he promised.
Development Vision and NDA Criticism
While the Tejashwi Yadav JDU relationship remains antagonistic, Yadav focused his criticism on the broader NDA alliance’s development record. He pointed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s admission that industries in Bihar cannot be set up due to land availability problems, highlighting persistent migration and unemployment issues despite the NDA’s 20-year rule in Bihar and 11 years at the Centre.
Yadav accused the NDA of copying the Mahagathbandhan’s vision, citing examples where the ruling alliance offered free power of 125 units after his promise of 200 units, and introduced the ₹10,000 Mukhya Mantri Rojgar Yojana for women as a loan-based program in response to his Mai Bahin Maan Yojana proposal.
Ticket Distribution Strategy and Women Voters
The RJD has strategically distributed tickets beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav base, giving representation to Kushwahas, extreme backward classes, and women. “We have in fact given 24 tickets to women from all sections, which is one of the highest number of tickets given to women by any party in Bihar this election,” Yadav noted.
Regarding women voters, who form a substantial portion of Bihar’s 75-million electorate and have traditionally supported Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Yadav expressed confidence: “I am confident women voters would wholeheartedly support us as we have tried to understand their issues.”
Assessment of Nitish Kumar’s Challenge
The Tejashwi Yadav JDU confrontation extends to a direct challenge against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yadav claimed that Kumar “is not in good health and has lost control over the administration” and boldly predicted: “He is not coming back. He will be finished after the polls. There is no challenge at all.”
He noted that the NDA’s failure to declare a chief ministerial face makes the picture clear about Kumar’s diminished prospects. “There is no question of CM Kumar returning as his party will cease to exist after the polls. I can vouch for it,” Yadav asserted, reinforcing his stance on the Tejashwi Yadav JDU future relationship.
Countering Jungle Raj Allegations
Addressing BJP’s claims that an RJD-led government would bring back “jungle raj,” Yadav cited 2023 NCRB data showing Bihar among the top two crime-prone states. “For me, maintaining law and order will be the foremost priority. To attract investment in Bihar, law and order and energy are paramount,” he stated, promising no compromise on crime and corruption.
Family Politics and Alliance Unity
When asked about his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav fielding a candidate against him in Raghopur, Tejashwi displayed maturity: “This is the beauty of democracy. Everybody has the right to fight polls. My brother has formed his party and is contesting polls. There is nothing wrong. He is still my own brother.”
Regarding reported friction with Congress, Yadav downplayed concerns, saying friendly contests happen in coalitions and “all allies are united in this election.”
Waqf Act Implementation Stance
Yadav committed to not implementing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, in Bihar if elected, citing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s similar stance and noting that states have rights regarding implementation.
With the Tejashwi Yadav JDU alliance firmly off the table and clear majority prospects ahead, Bihar’s political landscape appears set for significant transformation.
