KKN Gurugram Desk | The political landscape of Bihar is witnessing a significant shift as tensions rise between the ruling Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly Elections. On Tuesday, March 4, in the state assembly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lashed out at Tejashwi Yadav, criticising his leadership and questioning his political lineage. The verbal spat between the two political heavyweights highlights the growing friction within the ruling and opposition camps in Bihar as the state heads towards elections.
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CM Nitish Kumar’s Sharp Remarks on Tejashwi Yadav’s Father Lalu Prasad Yadav
In a fiery exchange during a heated session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, CM Nitish Kumar took direct aim at Tejashwi Yadav’s father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Nitish Kumar claimed that it was he who had made Lalu Yadav the Chief Minister of Bihar in the past. This remark was made in response to questions raised by the opposition on the state’s governance. Nitish Kumar said, “What was Bihar like earlier? It was me who made your (Tejashwi Yadav) father the Chief Minister. You made mistakes twice, and it was me who had to remove him.” His comments reflected the ongoing power struggle between the two leaders, as both claim to be the saviors of Bihar’s political future.
Nitish Kumar didn’t stop there. He also took a dig at the previous government led by Lalu Yadav and his party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). CM Nitish criticized the RJD government for failing to address the pressing issues of education, electricity, and communal harmony. “During the RJD’s rule, there was no progress. The state was plagued by caste and religious conflicts, with constant fights between Hindus and Muslims. The condition of education and electricity was poor,” Nitish Kumar added. His comments suggest that the current ruling alliance, which includes his own party Janata Dal (United), is positioning itself as the alternative to the legacy of Lalu Yadav and the RJD.
Rabri Devi’s Response to Nitish Kumar’s Criticism
The verbal assault by CM Nitish Kumar did not go unnoticed. In a swift and pointed reply, Rabri Devi, the wife of Lalu Yadav and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council, fired back at the Chief Minister. Rabri Devi, who has been an influential figure in Bihar politics, ridiculed Nitish Kumar’s claims and sarcastically remarked that Nitish Kumar had made everyone in Bihar, including himself, who they are today.
Rabri Devi’s response echoed sentiments of resentment towards Nitish Kumar’s monopoly in Bihar’s political scene. She remarked, “Nitish Kumar has made everyone, including himself, a significant figure in Bihar’s politics. He is the one who says that Bihar and the country were made because of him.” Her sharp criticism reflects the ongoing political rivalry between the two political families, with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Lalu Yadav’s RJD competing for supremacy in the state.
Rabri Devi also brought in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that both Nitish Kumar and Modi share a similar narrative, claiming to be the ones responsible for the development of Bihar and the nation. “Both these leaders, Nitish Kumar and Modi, believe they are the ones who made Bihar and the country,” she said, indicating her belief that such claims are nothing more than political posturing.
Opposition’s Protest Against the State Government
The war of words between the ruling alliance and the opposition did not end with the personal attacks. On the fourth day of the Budget Session in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi led the opposition in a protest against the state government. This protest was a clear message to the ruling party, highlighting the grievances of the public and demands for better governance.
The protest was organized by opposition members under the leadership of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, demanding a raise in the honorarium of the kitchen staff working in schools. Opposition members carried posters and banners demanding an increase in the salaries of these employees, who are currently earning only Rs. 1,650 per month, which they claim is insufficient to meet their basic needs. Rabri Devi, leading the protest, emphasized the difficulty these employees face in managing their daily expenses and appealed to the government for salary revisions.
Call for Raising Widow Pension and Other Welfare Measures
In addition to the demand for raising the wages of kitchen staff, Rabri Devi also took the opportunity to highlight other social welfare issues. One of the primary demands was an increase in the widow pension, a matter that she believed the government had neglected. During the protest, Rabri Devi was seen holding a poster that read, “Increase Widow Pension,” reflecting her continued focus on the welfare of vulnerable sections of society.
Rabri Devi has been vocal about the state government’s failure to address the issues of social welfare programs, particularly those that directly affect women, children, and the elderly. Her focus on these issues during the protest underscores her commitment to advocating for the rights of the marginalized groups in Bihar.
The Growing Rift Between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav
The political tension between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav’s families has been building for some time now. Both have been key players in Bihar’s political history, with Nitish Kumar having served as Chief Minister multiple times and Lalu Yadav having held the position for several years as well. However, their relationship has soured in recent years, especially after Nitish Kumar shifted his alliance from the RJD to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017, only to later return to the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) before the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections.
The rivalry between Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Lalu Yadav’s RJD is nothing new, but it has become more personal and intense in recent months. The personal attacks and accusations being traded between the two leaders suggest that the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections could see a fierce battle for political supremacy, with both sides vying for the trust and support of the electorate.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly: A Ground for Political Battles
The Bihar Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have long been centers of political power struggles. The state’s complex political landscape, with its mix of caste-based and regional politics, plays a significant role in shaping the outcomes of elections. For years, both Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav have managed to secure strongholds in various regions of the state, leveraging their party’s appeal to different social groups.
However, with new political players entering the scene and changing alliances, the traditional political dynamics in Bihar are under pressure. As the state heads towards the 2025 elections, the political discourse in the assembly is bound to become more heated, with Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav leading their respective factions in what promises to be a high-stakes electoral battle.
What Lies Ahead for Bihar’s Politics?
As Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly Elections, the rivalry between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav’s families is expected to escalate further. With each side vying for voter support, political strategies will evolve, and the key issues surrounding governance, social welfare, and economic development will dominate the discussions. The state’s electorate, which has witnessed numerous political shifts in the past, will play a decisive role in determining the future of Bihar’s politics.
Both Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav, who have long been stalwarts in Bihar, are now facing growing challenges, both from within their parties and from the opposition. The outcome of this political battle will not only shape Bihar’s future but could also have significant implications for national politics. As both families continue to spar in the media and on the ground, the 2025 elections will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched political contests in recent history.
The ongoing political drama in Bihar is not just about personal attacks or accusations but about the future direction of the state. As Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav continue to exchange barbs, the people of Bihar will be looking for leaders who can bring about real change. The coming months will be crucial as both the ruling JD(U) and opposition RJD intensify their campaigns, promising to shape the state’s political future in profound ways. With key issues like governance, welfare, and economic growth taking center stage, Bihar’s 2025 Assembly Elections will undoubtedly be a turning point in the state’s history.
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