Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday exuded confidence in the INDIA bloc’s chances in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the alliance is united, well-prepared, and committed to bringing development to the state.
Following a key strategy meeting with Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Yadav addressed the media and confirmed that the alliance will reconvene on April 17 in Patna to finalise further steps.
“We are fully prepared to take Bihar forward. The state continues to rank lowest in per capita income, farmer earnings, and leads in migration even after 20 years of NDA rule. We want to fight this election on real issues and hold the government accountable,” Yadav said.
Taking a sharp dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Yadav said, “Nitish ji hijack ho chuke hain (Nitish ji has been hijacked),” implying that Kumar no longer holds independent control over his leadership and decisions. He further asserted, “NDA is not forming the government in Bihar this time.”
On the question of the alliance’s chief ministerial candidate, Yadav stated it would be a unanimous decision taken by all INDIA bloc members.
Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar described the meeting with RJD as “natural and smooth,” confirming that decisions will be rolled out in phases. “We are united and will fight the NDA together,” he said.
Krishna Allavaru, Bihar Congress in-charge, also expressed optimism, stating, “We had detailed discussions on the way forward. The April 17 Patna meeting will further solidify our joint strategy. The INDIA bloc will win in Bihar.”
The political battle in Bihar is heating up as the state heads toward elections later this year. The contest is expected to be a high-stakes showdown between the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, and the INDIA bloc, comprising the Congress, RJD, and left parties.
