Patna: Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the BJP on Friday. Speaking at the Milan Samaroh at the RJD office in Patna, he raised questions about inclusivity within the RSS and accused the state government of corruption and inefficiency.
Criticism of RSS and Mohan Bhagwat
Tejashwi questioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement about “true independence,” which Bhagwat had made during a program in Indore on January 13. Bhagwat had remarked that the day of Pran Pratishtha of Ramlala in Ayodhya should be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi” because India achieved “true independence” on that day.
Reacting sharply, Tejashwi asked, “When will any backward, Dalit, or tribal become the RSS chief? Why has no woman been made the head of the Sangh? Bhagwat’s statement insults freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence.”
Attacks on Nitish Kumar
Tejashwi criticized Nitish Kumar’s government, alleging it lacked vision and was rife with corruption. “Officials are looting under the Chief Minister’s watch. DK Boss is the super CM of Bihar. If our government comes to power, we will implement performance-based postings,” he said. He also accused the government of neglecting employment and public welfare.
Tejashwi said, “In our time, jobs were distributed in Gandhi Maidan. Today, people are being lathi-charged there. Nitish Kumar has been in power for 20 years but has only enjoyed the privileges of office without delivering results.”
Former JD(U) MP Joins RJD
During the Milan ceremony, former JD(U) MP Mangani Lal Mandal joined the RJD. Welcoming him, Tejashwi called Mandal an old associate of his father, Lalu Prasad. “His experience will strengthen the party and help us politically,” Tejashwi said.
Mandal criticized the JD(U), claiming it lacked commitment to social justice. “The party is being run by only three and a half people. Workers are being cheated. Lalu gave a voice to the backwards, and I am happy to return to my old home,” he said.
Promises and Criticism of BJP
Tejashwi outlined his vision for Bihar, promising a blueprint for the state’s development. He criticized the BJP for failing to address the issues of the people. “Bihar gave BJP maximum votes, but the central government invested in Gujarat. The youth are suffering due to a lack of jobs. The Gangotri of corruption flows in Bihar,” he said.
Tejashwi accused BJP ministers, including Amit Shah, of preparing to visit Bihar for election campaigns while using agencies like the CBI and ED to target opposition leaders. He dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” as mere theatrics.
He added, “Women are complaining about rising inflation. Even GST has been imposed on popcorn. Bihar has the most expensive electricity, and 94 lakh people live below the poverty line. If we form the government, we will launch the Mai Behan Yojana and address these issues.”
