Patna, Bihar: With the Bihar Assembly elections just weeks away, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav has embarked on an aggressive campaign, outlining his party’s vision for the state, taking aim at the incumbent NDA government, and hinting at a possible Muslim Deputy Chief Ministerial face. In an exclusive interview at his residence on 1 Polo Road, Patna, Yadav, 35, spoke at length about the upcoming elections, the Grand Alliance’s strategy, and his plans if elected.
Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of seven parties including the RJD and the Congress, is challenging the ruling NDA, led by the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Yadav dismissed any claims of confusion or delay in announcing his candidature, insisting that the Mahagathbandhan is united and clear in its leadership, in contrast to the NDA, which has not yet declared a CM face.
Election Strategy and Criticism of NDA
When asked about the election outlook, Yadav said, “People of Bihar are fed up with the NDA, and they want to see a change in government. This time, we have to build a new Viksit Bihar and eradicate unemployment and migration.We are fairly certain that people will choose the Mahagathbandhan this time.”
He emphasized that the NDA has failed to present a clear leadership alternative. “They have not announced the name of any CM candidate. Amit Shah has said that MLAs will decide on the CM’s face after results. We, however, are clear, and there is no confusion in our alliance. And the people of Bihar have no confusion either,” he stated.
On internal alliance matters such as ticket distribution, Yadav said that while each party wants to contest as many seats as possible, decisions are made based on winnability, community composition, and other considerations, pointing out that the Mahagathbandhan has a proven, functioning alliance model.
Regarding minor “friendly fights” in a few seats, Yadav downplayed concerns, noting, “There are 243 seats in Bihar. It doesn’t matter if we have friendly fights in 4-5 seats. The INDIA bloc had friendly contests in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, and we won both elections. It is not an issue at all.”
Deputy CM and Representation
The interview also touched upon the question of a Muslim Deputy Chief Minister. Yadav said, “We are not ruling out that possibility. It can be from any community,” hinting at efforts to represent Bihar’s diverse population. He referenced comments by Ashok Gehlot regarding multiple Deputy CM faces in the alliance, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation.
On the VIP leader Mukesh Sahani being named as Deputy CM candidate, Yadav avoided direct confirmation, instead suggesting that the Mahagathbandhan aims to present a broader spectrum of leadership to reflect Bihar’s social diversity.
Women-Centric Policies
Tejashwi criticized the NDA for copying schemes, arguing that promises for women have been minimal and tokenistic. “We said we would give 200 free electricity units; they announced 125. We promised a cash scheme for women; they are giving just ₹10,000. How can someone start a business with that? Women are aware of this exploitation,” he said.
He also outlined Mahagathbandhan promises, including regularizing community mobilizer Jeevika Didis and providing a government job to every family without government service representation. Yadav insisted these promises are financially feasible, citing the creation of five lakh jobs in 17 months during his previous tenure as Deputy CM.
Law and Order, Industry, and Development
Addressing accusations of “Jungle Raj” and law-and-order issues, Yadav countered that incidents highlighting administrative inaction reflect the failings of the current government. He criticized PM Modi for focusing on rhetoric rather than development, questioning why industries are going to Gujarat and not Bihar.
“We have promised to bring industry, SEZs, IT parks, and IT-based industry to Bihar. This is possible only when law and order is under control. I will not compromise on law and order, and I deliver on my promises,” he said.
Critique of Nitish Kumar and NDA
Yadav also criticized JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, whom he previously referred to as “Chacha,” for being subservient to the BJP. “Chacha has been hijacked by the BJP. They are using his health condition to gain sympathy. When Modi became the face of 2014 elections, Nitish withdrew NDA support, but today he touches Modi’s feet,” he remarked. Yadav categorically ruled out future collaboration with JD-U, stating, “JD-U has become a cell of the BJP. We cannot work with it again.”
Views on Prashant Kishor and Other Contenders
Regarding strategist Prashant Kishor and his party, Yadav acknowledged the democratic right to contest but emphasized that Bihar voters will ultimately decide the outcome.
He confirmed that national leaders from the Mahagathbandhan, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav, will campaign in Bihar, with the momentum expected to rise after Chhath festival celebrations.
Election Prediction
When asked about the November 14 result, Yadav confidently predicted a Mahagathbandhan victory. “Mahagathbandhan will make the next government of Bihar. When I become CM, 14 crore people of Bihar will become CMs – the chief ministers,” he said, reiterating his message of inclusive governance and public empowerment.
In summary, Tejashwi Yadav’s interview projected confidence in the Mahagathbandhan’s unity, a focus on women’s welfare, industrial development, law-and-order reforms, and inclusive representation, including the possibility of a Muslim Deputy CM. His campaign narrative seeks to position the opposition as a credible alternative to the NDA, while emphasizing accountability, employment, and development as central pillars of governance.
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