Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has strongly criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, accusing him and the opposition Mahagathbandhan of misleading voters with false narratives. Speaking to ANI, Manjhi, who heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), claimed that the people of Bihar are politically aware and will not fall for such tactics.

Manjhi specifically targeted Yadav, saying, “This man cannot do anything and has only been misleading people forever. During the Lok Sabha elections, they continued the narrative that the constitution is in danger, and this tactic worked to some extent, which is why the NDA won fewer seats. They are again forming such a narrative.” He further accused the opposition of spreading misinformation simply to influence public opinion ahead of the assembly polls.

According to Manjhi, even if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power under unforeseen circumstances, it will fail to deliver on its promises. He warned that the opposition would blame the Union government for any shortcomings in development and claimed that the electorate is alert to such tactics this time. The HAM, which is contesting six assembly seats, has aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and Manjhi expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to form the next Bihar government.

Earlier in the day, Tejashwi Yadav, who has been named as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan, countered Manjhi’s criticism by asserting that the people of Bihar are “impatient” for change. He accused the BJP-led government of neglecting Bihar while establishing major industries in Gujarat, arguing that the state has been “taken for a ride.” Tejashwi highlighted the dissatisfaction among voters with the 20-year-old government, citing high levels of corruption and crime and inaction on development issues.

To strengthen his campaign, Tejashwi also announced plans to double the honorarium and allowances of panchayat and village court representatives if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, signaling a focus on grassroots governance. He claimed that people from all castes and communities are showing support for the opposition, reflecting widespread desire for a change in leadership.

The 2025 Bihar assembly elections are shaping up as a direct contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, includes Congress, CPI(M-L) Liberation, CPI, CPI(M), and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani, who has been announced as the Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate.

Adding another dimension to the contest, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has declared that it will contest all 243 assembly seats, potentially influencing voter dynamics. The elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.

Observers suggest that the political messaging from both sides underscores the intensifying pre-poll battle in Bihar. While the NDA emphasizes stability, development, and the experience of its leadership, the Mahagathbandhan seeks to capitalize on anti-incumbency, promising reforms, increased social benefits, and industrial growth within the state.

Manjhi’s strong rhetoric against Tejashwi Yadav reflects the NDA’s strategy to counter the opposition narrative early and consolidate votes in key constituencies. By highlighting alleged misinformation and framing the opposition as unreliable, the NDA allies aim to reinforce voter confidence in the coalition’s governance track record.

Tejashwi, on the other hand, is attempting to energize grassroots support by portraying the election as an opportunity for change, promising welfare measures and criticizing perceived neglect by the incumbent administration. His focus on doubling allowances for local governance representatives and emphasizing industrial development aims to appeal to both rural and urban voters dissatisfied with the current administration.

As campaigning intensifies, political analysts note that Bihar’s electorate is likely to be influenced by multiple factors, including caste dynamics, development performance, local leadership, and promises of social welfare. Dalit, Yadav, and other backward class voters remain key constituencies whose choices could determine the outcome of the elections.

The 2025 Bihar polls are expected to be highly competitive, with both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan seeking to sway undecided voters through targeted messaging, development promises, and high-profile rallies. The political discourse leading up to the elections indicates that issues of governance, employment, corruption, and public welfare will dominate the campaigns, with leaders on both sides seeking to consolidate support ahead of the November voting dates.

In summary, Jitan Manjhi’s accusations against Tejashwi Yadav highlight the pre-election political narrative from the NDA, emphasizing alertness among voters and warning against opposition tactics, while Tejashwi’s statements underscore the Mahagathbandhan’s call for change and development-focused governance. With just a few weeks to go before polling, both alliances are intensifying efforts to secure voter confidence in Bihar’s closely contested assembly elections.