Patna: Bihar’s opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav sidestepped a question on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s recent remarks, instead turning his attention to criticising Union Minister Giriraj Singh, as the state prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Owaisi had taken aim at the Grand Alliance’s election manifesto, questioning why a community representing only three per cent of the population had been promised the post of Deputy Chief Minister, and suggesting that the state’s 17 per cent Muslim population deserved similar representation. His comments reignited debates over the Grand Alliance’s approach to minority representation in Bihar.
When asked by reporters in Patna whether a Muslim leader would be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister, Yadav responded with a wry smile: “Leave it, what should I say,” before moving on without addressing Owaisi directly.
Instead, Yadav emphasised his focus on fulfilling his election pledges. “The announcements we made yesterday are our pledges. We will implement them together,” he said. Among his promises are the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme, the establishment of press clubs and hostels for journalists in every division, and ensuring that transfers and postings of government employees such as police officers, nurses, and teachers remain within a 70-kilometre radius of their homes.
Yadav also took aim at BJP leader Giriraj Singh, claiming that his administration had accomplished more in 17–18 months than Singh had in his entire political career. Singh had earlier accused Yadav of failing to honour commitments during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister.
