A political storm erupted in Bihar on Sunday as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) launched a sharp counterattack against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. This came a day after the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly alleged widespread use of unfair means in the recently concluded state elections.
NDA Leaders Unite in Condemnation
The NDA constituents, including the JD(U) and BJP, strongly rebutted Tejashwi Yadav's charges, asserting that he was making wild and baseless allegations after facing a crushing defeat. They advised the young leader to introspect on his political failures rather than questioning the electoral mandate.
State JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha led the charge, stating that Tejashwi was reacting out of shock. "Questioning the election results and looking at them with suspicion is a direct insult to the mandate," Kushwaha said. He emphasized that instead of analyzing his own shortcomings, the RJD leader was unfairly targeting the electoral processes.
Allegations Born Out of Frustration, Say NDA Voices
Echoing similar sentiments, Rajya Sabha member and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha accused Tejashwi of talking nonsense out of sheer frustration. "Tejashwi has become a victim of frustration after the crushing defeat and hence is making absurd statements," Kushwaha told reporters. He suggested the RJD leader should visit villages to verify the facts on the ground, noting that blaming the Election Commission would serve no purpose as the RJD has lost ground in the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also joined the fray. State BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel slammed Tejashwi for repeatedly pointing fingers at the poll body. Patel stated that the unverified allegations of "vote theft" only demonstrated the RJD leader's political frustration and deep despair. "Questioning a constitutional body is merely an attempt by Tejashwi to divert attention from his own failures," he said, advising the Yadav scion to instead play the role of a constructive opposition.
The Core of the Controversy
The entire episode underscores the heightened political tensions in Bihar following the assembly polls. The NDA's unified response highlights their strategy to firmly dismiss any narrative that challenges the legitimacy of their victory. The key arguments put forth by the ruling alliance include:
- Tejashwi Yadav's allegations are unsubstantiated and reckless.
- Such claims disrespect the voter's mandate and democratic institutions.
- The RJD's rhetoric stems from an inability to accept defeat.
As the war of words intensifies, the political focus in Bihar remains firmly on the aftermath of the elections and the dynamics of the newly constituted assembly. The NDA's forceful rebuttal aims to close the chapter on allegations of malpractice and frame the opposition's stance as sour grapes.
