Patna witnessed a dramatic political scene on Monday as Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, seated in a wheelchair outside the assembly hall, launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar government. The RJD leader, nursing an injury to his left leg toe, spoke to reporters after Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's address to the joint sitting of the Bihar assembly and legislative council, marking the start of the month-long budget session.
Governor's Address Presents Rosy Picture, Ground Reality Different: Tejashwi
Tejashwi Yadav asserted that the optimistic portrayal of Bihar in the governor's speech did not align with the actual situation on the ground. "Whosoever the governor is, he or she reads the government-prepared written speech. He therefore presented a rosy picture about the state and the government, but Bihar lags behind other states on the parameters of human development indices," he emphasized. The opposition leader highlighted the persistent developmental challenges facing the state.
Nitish Kumar's 20-Year Tenure Under Fire
Directly targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi pointed out his long tenure in power. "The CM has been in power for the last 20 years. The government has remained silent and has not explained why the state continues to lag on HDIs," he stated. This criticism underscores growing concerns about Bihar's progress under Kumar's leadership.
Rising Crime Rates Highlighted
Beyond development metrics, Tejashwi also raised alarms about law and order in Bihar. He alleged that incidents of rape, murder, and other crimes were occurring with alarming frequency. "The government keeps harping on the rule of law, but all this sounds hollow as crime remains uncontrolled," he remarked, questioning the administration's effectiveness in maintaining public safety.
Union Budget Mocked as Election Stunt
Tejashwi Yadav did not spare the central government either, taking a swipe at the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday. He mocked the NDA's concept of a "double engine government" and suggested budget presentations have become politically motivated. "Union Budgets appear to have been reduced to election stunts. Last year, she wore a Madhubani sari as Bihar elections were due. This year she wore a Kanjeevaram sari because assembly elections are due in Tamil Nadu," he quipped, linking sartorial choices to electoral timelines.
Wheelchair Entry Due Toe Injury
Earlier in the day, Tejashwi made a notable entrance to the assembly premises in a wheelchair, dressed in a white pyjama-kurta and black bundi, with his left leg toe bandaged. He explained, "I was playing a game and injured my toe. The toenail was surgically removed, and walking has become difficult." This physical setback did not dampen his political fervor, as he proceeded to deliver sharp critiques.
Family and Political Jibes Follow
The incident sparked reactions from both family and political rivals. His elder sister, Rohini Acharya, mocked him in a social media post, stating, "A wound in the body causes pain, but the hurt caused to the heart is far more distressing." Meanwhile, JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary took a jibe, saying, "He told me about his toe and nail injury. He has been a sportsman and a cricketer, and should have known that cricket is played wearing shoes." These exchanges added a personal dimension to the day's political discourse.
The budget session in Bihar has thus begun with heightened political tensions, as opposition voices challenge the government's narrative and performance, setting the stage for intense debates in the coming weeks.
