Patna: Political tensions in Bihar escalated on Wednesday after RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav launched a sharp attack on the newly sworn-in chief minister, Samrat Choudhary, even as he formally extended his congratulations.
In a post on social media platform X, the RJD leader framed Choudhary’s elevation as a case of a “selected” rather than an “elected” chief minister, questioning the legitimacy of the new government.
‘Selected vs elected’ narrative
Tejashwi Yadav referenced Choudhary’s earlier political vow to remove Nitish Kumar from office, remarking that the pledge had now been fulfilled.
“Congratulations on fulfilling your pledge to dethrone the elected chief minister,” he wrote, using the phrase “selected CM” to suggest that the leadership change was driven by political manoeuvring rather than a direct public mandate.
The remarks mark a direct challenge to Choudhary’s political positioning, which had been built in part on opposition to Nitish Kumar.
श्री सम्राट चौधरी जी द्वारा आज 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार जी को गद्दी से उतारने की अपनी प्रतिज्ञा पूर्ण करने पर बधाई तथा 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 मुख्यमंत्री बनने पर हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
आशा है कि नए माननीय मुख्यमंत्री जी इस कड़वे, अप्रिय एवं कठोर तथ्य से पूर्ण रूप से…
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) April 15, 2026
Raises governance concerns
Beyond the political jibe, Tejashwi used the opportunity to highlight what he described as Bihar’s persistent development challenges under NDA rule.
He pointed to gaps in key indicators such as education, healthcare, law and order, employment and migration, arguing that the state continues to lag behind national benchmarks.
The opposition leader cited data from NITI Aayog to underline concerns around income levels, investment and human development outcomes.
Warning against ‘external control’
Tejashwi also cautioned the new chief minister against what he described as undue influence from central leadership, urging him not to compromise Bihar’s autonomy.
In a reference widely seen as aimed at leaders in Delhi, he said the state’s “self-respect” should not be subordinated to external directives.
He further invoked Choudhary’s political roots, urging him to adhere to principles of social justice and governance.
Political contest sharpens
The exchange signals the beginning of a sharper political contest between the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD, with Tejashwi positioning himself as a critic of both governance outcomes and the manner of leadership transition.
As Choudhary begins his tenure, observers say the response to these criticisms — both in rhetoric and policy — will shape the trajectory of Bihar’s political landscape in the months ahead.
