Patna: The political landscape in Bihar has once again heated up as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav made a series of bold promises at the ‘Yuva Chaupal’ event, organized by Yuva RJD Bihar at Miller High School ground in Patna. The Leader of Opposition and former Deputy Chief Minister outlined key policies focused on youth employment and welfare, vowing major reforms if his party returns to power.
Addressing the gathering, Tejashwi announced that an RJD-led government would implement 100% domicile-based reservations in state jobs, eliminating the need for Bihar’s youth to seek employment outside the state. He also pledged to waive application fees for Bihar government jobs and establish a youth commission within a month of taking office.
As part of his party’s welfare agenda, Tejashwi introduced the ‘Mai-Behan Maan Yojana,’ under which women across Bihar would receive Rs 2,500 per month. Additionally, he promised 200 units of free electricity and an increase in the disability and old-age pensions to Rs 1,500.
Sharpening his attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi described him as a “tired and retired” leader who no longer has control over his administration. “Bihar is the youngest state in the country, but it is being governed by a leader who doesn’t even remember the names of his ministers. The state is running on God’s mercy,” he said.
Citing NITI Aayog data, Tejashwi claimed that Bihar remains the poorest state in India and leads in unemployment. He accused Kumar of having “ruined two generations of Bihar over the last 20 years” and warned that if given another term, the current government would do the same to the next generation.
Highlighting the state’s education crisis, Tejashwi pointed out that 400 out of Bihar’s 534 blocks lack a single degree college, leaving students with no choice but to migrate for higher education. “Bihar has only seven colleges per one lakh students. This needs to change. If we come to power, we will ensure quality education and employment opportunities within the state,” he said.
Tejashwi also blamed the government for frequent examination paper leaks, police crackdowns on protesting youth, and an unfulfilled promise of job creation. “This anti-youth government is leaking exam papers, using force against unemployed youth, and offering nothing but empty assurances,” he alleged.
The RJD leader further accused the ruling coalition of undermining the reservation system, claiming that his government had expanded the quota from 50% to 65% before it was overturned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He vowed to restore the increased quota if RJD comes to power.
Criticizing the government’s hiring policies, Tejashwi said, “They are giving extensions to retired officials while young people remain unemployed. If the youth want jobs, quality education, and real employment opportunities, this government must go.”
Concluding his speech, Tejashwi asserted that RJD represents the aspirations of Bihar’s youth, boasting the highest number of young MLAs and MPs in the state. “This is a state of youth, and it should be led by someone young,” he said.
