RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav Accuses NDA of 'Dhantantra' and 'Machine Tantra' in Bihar Polls
In a fiery speech in the Bihar state assembly on Thursday, RJD national working president and leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP-led NDA coalition. He asserted that their victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections was secured not by popular mandate but through what he termed "dhantantra" (money power) and "machine tantra" (manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines and voters' lists).
Allegations of Massive Financial Manipulation
Tejashwi Yadav made the sensational claim that a staggering sum of Rs 40,000 crore had been distributed and spent during the electoral process to decisively tilt the outcome against the opposition. "I would emphatically state that it was the 'dhantantra' and the 'machine tantra' that won the Bihar assembly elections last year for the NDA," he declared from the floor of the House.
"Besides, as much as Rs 40,000 crore was distributed and spent during the polls," Tejashwi added. "This colossal expenditure was orchestrated to defeat us. However, let me be clear: these electoral losses do not deter us. We will return stronger."
Heated Exchange with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
The opposition leader's intervention prompted a sharp retort from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In his reply, Kumar dismissed the allegations and pointedly referenced Tejashwi's political lineage. "Nothing substantial was achieved by your parents during their tenure in power. You should just take your seat," the CM stated. "Your father and I belong to the same political generation."
As several RJD legislators rose in protest, Nitish Kumar further escalated the confrontation. "Please resume your seats. I am well aware that all of you amassed wealth while sharing power with me, which is precisely why I decided to sever ties," he alleged. "You also attempted to poach my MLAs."
First Major Post-Election Analysis in Assembly
This assembly session marked the first occasion since the 2025 Bihar elections where Tejashwi Yadav formally presented his critique of the poll results within the legislative chamber. He spoke during the debate on the governor's address to the joint session of the state legislature held earlier on Tuesday.
The electoral outcome saw the NDA alliance secure a commanding 202 out of 243 seats, while the RJD-led opposition coalition managed to win only 35 seats.
Overcoming Physical Discomfort to Deliver Critique
Initially, Tejashwi spoke with noticeable hesitation, drawing derisive comments from the ruling benches. However, citing severe pain from a toe injury in his left leg and an uprooted nail, he requested and was granted permission by the Speaker to deliver his remarks while seated.
Once comfortably positioned, the RJD leader launched a comprehensive critique of the NDA government's performance under Nitish Kumar's leadership.
Accusations of Failing Law and Order
Tejashwi Yadav challenged the government's claims of maintaining "rule of law," pointing to what he described as an alarming surge in criminal activities across the state. He specifically referenced the rape and murder of a medical aspirant in Patna as a glaring example.
"Criminals and anti-social elements appear to operate with impunity, and the government has consistently failed to control their activities," he asserted. "An atmosphere of fear and intimidation currently prevails throughout Bihar."
Acknowledging Past Alliances and Policy Influence
In a nuanced admission, Tejashwi acknowledged that the RJD had previously been part of the grand alliance government led by Nitish Kumar on two separate occasions. He credited much of the chief minister's employment-related achievements to that period of collaboration.
"Our stance is clear: we will support the present government if its work is commendable, and we will offer constructive criticism when it falls short," Tejashwi stated. He further alleged that several policy announcements made by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar since assuming leadership of the NDA government in January 2024 were imitations of proposals he himself had championed during the pre-election campaign.
JD(U)'s Forceful Rebuttal
The JD(U) responded vehemently to Tejashwi Yadav's allegations. Party spokesperson Arvind Nishad dismissed the claims as the frustrated outburst of a badly defeated political opponent.
"The RJD's tally of 25 seats in the assembly elections accurately reflects its actual strength in Bihar, a fact confirmed by successive electoral results," Nishad stated. "It is rather ironic that the RJD, which has a established habit of accepting money in exchange for party tickets for its candidates, is now accusing others of financial misconduct."
The assembly debate thus highlighted the deep political divisions and ongoing acrimony between the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD in Bihar, setting the stage for continued confrontations in the state's political landscape.
