Patna: Tensions escalated in Bihar’s political landscape on Thursday as Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary sharply criticised the Grand Alliance’s announcement of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate.
Addressing reporters, Chaudhary accused the RJD patriarch Lalu Yadav of pressuring allied parties, including Congress, to secure his son’s political ascendancy. “Just as Lalu Yadav ruled with criminals for 15 years, he has now installed his son as the Chief Ministerial candidate through similar tactics of intimidation and hooliganism,” he said.
Chaudhary also challenged Tejashwi Yadav’s pledge to provide government jobs to 27 million people, warning of fiscal impossibility. “Today, we employ around 2.2 million people with an annual expenditure Rs. 85,000 crore. Providing jobs for 27 million would cost Rs. 12 lakh crore,” he said, calling the nomination a “shameful day for democracy.”
Meanwhile, BJP National President JP Nadda addressed a rally in Goh, Aurangabad, echoing the party’s critique of RJD. “RJD stands for extortion, jungle raj, and bullying. Those who cannot respect mothers and sisters cannot ensure your security,” Nadda declared. He praised the NDA government’s record on infrastructure, electricity, and development, contrasting it with what he described as the Grand Alliance’s legacy of destruction.
