Patna, Oct 24 – RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the JD(U)-led NDA government in Bihar, asserting that the state remains impoverished despite two decades of their rule. He claimed that if the ruling alliance is re-elected, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not retain his position.

Yadav accused Kumar of being manipulated by the BJP, specifically referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as external influences in Bihar’s governance. He alleged that the central government is protecting corrupt officials and criminals within the state.

During a rally in Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Saharsa district, Yadav stated, “Amit Shah has made it clear that elected legislators will decide the CM of Bihar after elections. Nitish Kumar will not be made the CM of Bihar if the NDA is voted to power again.” He pledged to establish a transparent government if the opposition alliance secures victory.

The former deputy CM emphasized his commitment to addressing public grievances and providing affordable healthcare and employment opportunities. He expressed his distress over Bihar’s economic struggles, highlighting rising unemployment, corruption, and criminal activities. Yadav noted that despite 20 years of NDA governance, Bihar’s per capita income remains the lowest in the country, and farmers continue to face hardships.

Yadav urged voters in the Saharsa region to support a “Bihari” candidate rather than an “outsider” in the upcoming assembly elections. He accused the central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders, including himself and his family.

He remarked, “If Lalu did not fear Modi, his son would also not be afraid.” Yadav reiterated his anguish over Bihar’s poor conditions, stating, “I feel pain when I see widespread unemployment, rampant corruption, and a prevailing sense of impunity among criminals.” He called for a Bihar free from corruption and crime, one that attracts investment for growth.

The RJD leader promised voters, “Give Tejashwi a chance. What the NDA government has failed to do in 20 years, I will do in 20 months.” He outlined his plans to reduce the price of LPG cylinders to Rs 500, increase the old-age pension to Rs 1,500, regularize the services of contractual workers, and provide government jobs to every household in Bihar.

Yadav highlighted his previous achievements as deputy CM, claiming he created jobs during his brief tenure, contrasting this with the NDA’s failure to maintain that momentum. He questioned PM Modi’s promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually, asking where the 22 crore jobs over 11 years are.

With Deputy CM candidate Mukesh Sahani present, Yadav announced that another deputy CM candidate representing a different societal segment would be revealed soon by the INDIA bloc. He criticized the BJP for focusing on Gujarat while seeking electoral success in Bihar, stating, “This is not going to happen.”

In response to PM Modi’s allegations of ‘jungle raj’ during the RJD’s rule, Yadav pointed out that the prime minister himself had mentioned numerous scams under Nitish Kumar’s government without taking action. He claimed that the BJP-ruled states experience the highest levels of crime in India.

Yadav concluded by affirming his commitment to honesty, stating, “I don’t tell half-truths and lies. You all know that what I say, I do. If the INDIA bloc wins the elections, Tejashwi will become the CM, and the people will become ‘chinta mukt’ (tension-free). I will ensure there will be no crime and present a corruption-free government in Bihar.” He reiterated his promises regarding education, healthcare, and job creation for the people of Bihar.