Chirag Gupta
Patna: After a disappointing performance in the recent by-elections where the NDA swept all four seats in Bihar, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav held a meeting with party leaders to strategize for upcoming elections. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) faced defeats in its strongholds, including Belaganj, where JDU’s Manorama Devi secured victory after 35 years of RJD dominance. Lalu Prasad Yadav, who actively campaigned, was also present at the meeting.
Tejashwi expressed optimism about future elections, claiming victory for the Grand Alliance in the 2024 Jharkhand elections and asserting confidence in winning the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. He reminded party members that despite being the largest party, the RJD had twice supported Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, accusing the BJP of “hijacking” him.
Speaking on public dissatisfaction, Tejashwi criticized the Nitish government, calling it a “double-engine government” failing on issues like crime and corruption. He highlighted concerns over unemployment, inflation, poverty, and high electricity bills, referring to smart meters as “cheater meters.” He accused the Modi government of failing to deliver on promises made to Bihar in the last 11 years.
Tejashwi urged the backward communities to unite, citing achievements during the Grand Alliance’s 17-month tenure, such as conducting a caste-based census, providing 5 lakh jobs, and increasing reservation from 50% to 65%. He emphasized the party’s ongoing fight for backward class rights in the Supreme Court.
Welcoming former MLA Satish Kumar to the RJD, Tejashwi acknowledged his political experience and influence within the Kurmi community. Satish Kumar, a founding member of the Samata Party and a former ally of Nitish Kumar, has been appointed RJD’s state vice-president. Tejashwi noted that Satish’s inclusion would strengthen the party, especially with his historical contributions like the 1994 Kurmi Chetna rally.
