Patna : Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has launched a sharp attack on the ruling Janata Dal (United), accusing it of running an election campaign using government funds and alleging widespread corruption at the highest levels.
Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Saturday, Tejashwi claimed that the state government had ordered 600 digital campaign vehicles—dubbed “election chariots”—at a cost of Rs 225 crore under the guise of ‘Mahila Samvad’, a government outreach programme. “These chariots are being used for electioneering, and the money is coming directly from the state treasury,” he said.
Tejashwi alleged that Bihar ministers were receiving 30% commissions through contractors, and that tenders were being manipulated for political gain. “No local contractors are being considered. Instead, global tenders are being floated, and money is being siphoned off in the name of governance,” he added.
Ruling parties hit back
Responding to the allegations, JDU’s working president Sanjay Jha said the state government had delivered significant development under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership. “Throwing accusations won’t help. Tejashwi should first answer the charges pending in court,” Jha said.
BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also criticised Tejashwi, pointing to corruption during the RJD era. “Tejashwi must open his eyes and remember his father’s tenure. How many bridges were built then? The NDA takes action against wrongdoing,” he said.
Mounting debt and rising expenses
Tejashwi also drew attention to Bihar’s increasing debt burden. “The state is in debt of Rs 4.06 lakh crore. Of this, Rs 25,000–30,000 crore is spent annually on interest payments alone,” he said, adding that decisions taken during cabinet meetings were financially reckless.
According to Tejashwi, Rs 76,622 crore worth of schemes have been cleared in just three months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, raising questions about how the government plans to fund them. “The total budget is Rs 3.17 lakh crore, with Rs 1.16 lakh crore allocated for schemes. Where is the money coming from?” he asked.
Infrastructure projects under fire
Tejashwi also targeted the state’s infrastructure policies, claiming that over 5,000 bridges had been built “without any utility” or approach roads. “When we ask for answers, there’s silence. Even the Nal Jal Yojana is riddled with corruption. People still don’t have clean drinking water or basic medicines in hospitals,” he said.
