Patna: Tejashwi Yadav’s absence from the winter session of the Bihar Assembly has triggered a fresh wave of criticism, as questions mount over his prolonged silence since the RJD’s defeat in the state elections. The Leader of the Opposition travelled to London with his family during the session, a move that has now drawn sharp remarks from JDU MP Rampreet Mandal. He argued that Tejashwi should have been present in the Assembly to raise the concerns of people across the state.
Speaking to the media, Mandal said that Tejashwi’s decision to leave the country at such a crucial time has sent a negative message to the public. According to him, the RJD leader’s absence is the latest blow to his credibility, especially when many voters are expecting him to take a more active role in addressing unemployment, poverty and governance challenges. Mandal insisted that Tejashwi’s priorities appear misplaced, given the responsibilities tied to his political position.
The JDU MP also made personal remarks about Yadav’s family, suggesting that the trip may have been timed around Christmas. He said Tejashwi’s wife is a Christian and hinted that the visit to London was connected to the festival celebrated on 25 December. With a touch of sarcasm, he added that the RJD leader might even be holding a “review meeting” abroad to recover from the party’s recent electoral defeat. His comments have drawn attention for delving into the private life of the RJD leader, raising questions about the appropriateness of such political attacks.
Turning to global matters, Mandal also commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, calling it a significant moment in the longstanding India–Russia relationship. He said the meeting resulted in several important agreements and that the 70-year-old partnership between the two countries would only grow stronger. Mandal added that previous visits by Russian leaders usually lasted longer and expressed a wish that this one had extended to three or four days for more extensive discussions.
The controversy surrounding Tejashwi Yadav’s trip has added pressure on the RJD, already grappling with internal challenges following the election loss. While some see Mandal’s remarks as a political attack, others believe they highlight a growing concern about Yadav’s public engagement and leadership during a crucial period for Bihar’s opposition.
