Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of surrendering to U.S. pressure in the wake of a steep 50 per cent tariff imposed by American President Donald Trump on Indian imports.
Addressing the media, Yadav said the Prime Minister’s silence on the matter reflects weakness, alleging that Modi is “dancing to America’s tune.”
“Trump imposed a 50% tariff and even claimed 28 times that he brokered a ceasefire. Yet the Prime Minister hasn’t uttered a word. He hasn’t even called Trump’s statements false. The PM has become so weak — he’s just following the U.S.’s lead,” said Yadav.
On August 6, U.S. President Trump signed an Executive Order increasing tariffs on Indian goods by an additional 25 per cent, citing national security concerns and India’s imports of Russian oil. With the new hike, total tariffs now stand at 50 per cent. The order comes into partial effect from August 7, with full implementation scheduled after 21 days, excluding items already in transit or meeting specific exemptions.
Yadav warned that such economic decisions would harm India and criticized the Modi government for projecting strength abroad while compromising national interests.
“They’ll damage the country and then go to Bihar claiming to be ‘Vishwaguru’,” he remarked.
Yadav also addressed the ongoing controversy over his voter ID details. Dismissing reports that the Election Commission had issued him a notice, he clarified that the only communication he received was from the Patna Zila Nibandhan (district registration office), and not directly from the EC.
“If two EPIC numbers were issued, how is that my fault? The issuing authority should be questioned. I’ve always voted from one place,” Yadav stated.
The controversy stems from his public claim that his name was missing from the updated voter list released on August 1 and that his EPIC number had been changed. However, officials later clarified that Yadav’s name is listed at polling station number 204 (Library Building, Bihar Animal Science University), under EPIC number RAB0456228.
In his press conference, Yadav reportedly cited a different EPIC number, RAB2916120, which the poll authorities say appears invalid. The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has asked him to submit the disputed card by August 8 for investigation.
“Despite repeated requests, the required documents haven’t been submitted. The card details must be provided so the matter can be thoroughly investigated,” read a letter from the ERO.
Tejashwi has until Friday afternoon to respond formally, with the issue potentially setting off further legal and political implications as Bihar heads into an election season.
