By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) suffered a significant setback in the Bihar by-elections, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JDU, captured all four assembly seats. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the results, remarked that victory and defeat are part of elections but claimed this would be the BJP’s “last victory” in Bihar.
Tejashwi expressed confidence in the Grand Alliance’s resurgence, stating, “In the recent Lok Sabha elections, we gained a lead in these constituencies. We will perform better in the 2025 assembly elections and form the next government in Bihar.”
Criticism of BJP and Nitish Kumar
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi accused the BJP of manipulating the political scenario, saying, “Despite being the largest party in Bihar, Nitish Kumar was made Chief Minister twice. While we respect him, the BJP has hijacked him. We have never bowed before the BJP and never will.”
Tejashwi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of failing to fulfil promises made to Bihar, including granting special state status. He highlighted issues such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, smart meter disputes, and ongoing land surveys as major grievances of the people of Bihar.
“Double Engine Government” Under Fire
In his speech at the “Badlo Bihar Karyakarta Milan Sammelan” held at the RJD state office, Tejashwi lambasted the BJP-JDU alliance, dubbing it a “double engine government” with one engine focused on corruption and the other on crime.
He asserted, “Bihar wants change. The BJP faced a crushing defeat in Jharkhand, and we will ensure a similar result in Bihar in the next elections.”
Commitment to Principles and Reservation
Reaffirming his party’s ideological stance, Tejashwi said, “We do politics based on principles. The RJD is a party built by our parents, and we are fully prepared to remove the BJP from Bihar. Ever since the BJP came to power, there has been a conspiracy to reduce reservations. This will not be tolerated.”
Abdul Bari Siddiqui’s Assurance
RJD National General Secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui echoed Tejashwi’s optimism, urging party members not to panic. He criticised the NDA government for spreading societal hatred, stating, “Our government will be formed in 2025. This result does not define the future.”
With the 2025 assembly elections on the horizon, the RJD has vowed to intensify its campaign, focusing on addressing public discontent and uniting opposition forces to bring about a change in Bihar’s governance.
