Tejashwi Yadav Launches Scathing Attack on Nitish Kumar Over Godse Ideology
In a fiery statement on Tuesday, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar state assembly, launched a sharp critique against outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yadav alleged that Kumar had effectively facilitated the establishment of rule by followers of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, in Bihar. He accused Kumar of hypocrisy, noting that while Kumar often invoked Gandhi's name, he had provided political opportunities to a party aligned with Godse's ideology.
Allegations of Betrayal and Political Maneuvering
Tejashwi Yadav did not stop there; he also took aim at CM-designate Samrat Choudhary, dismissing him as a product of Lalu Prasad's political school. Yadav asserted that even the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself navigating politics around Lalu Prasad's ideological framework, implying that Choudhary's appointment lacks genuine public support. This criticism was echoed by RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan, who suggested that the BJP has placed Choudhary in a precarious position by handing him leadership amid a depleted state treasury, a legacy of Nitish Kumar's tenure.
Congress Joins the Fray, Criticizing NDA's Mandate
The Congress party also voiced strong disapproval, accusing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of betraying the electoral mandate. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh highlighted that voters were misled, as the NDA campaigned under Nitish Kumar's name, only to see him step back from leadership. Singh questioned the absence of slogans like "2025 se 30 phir se Nitish," emphasizing the need for the Grand Alliance (GA) to reassess its strategy in light of these developments.
Strategic Shifts and Internal Challenges
Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathorre confirmed that the opposition Grand Alliance must adapt its approach, pointing to anger and a leadership vacuum within the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) that the GA could exploit. Meanwhile, political experts advised Tejashwi Yadav to leverage this opportunity but cautioned that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) needs to broaden its appeal beyond its perceived image as a party dominated by the Yadav community. They noted that while Yadav has spoken inclusively, the party has historically favored Yadavs, creating tensions with minorities and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).
This political turmoil underscores the volatile landscape in Bihar, with key figures like former state president Madan Mohan Jha also condemning the NDA for what they see as a betrayal of public trust. As the state navigates these changes, the focus remains on how opposition forces will recalibrate their strategies to challenge the new political order.
