Tejashwi Yadav, former Bihar Deputy CM and RJD leader, launched a scathing critique over the Bharat Ratna announcement for former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, accusing the BJP of politicizing the prestigious award.
Speaking in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha ahead of CM Nitish Kumar’s government’s trust vote, Yadav criticized the alleged commodification of the Bharat Ratna, suggesting it’s being offered as a bargaining chip. He congratulated Nitish Kumar on his historic ninth oath-taking but reiterated opposition to the new government.
Yadav, referring to himself as Nitish Kumar’s nephew, pledged to challenge the BJP, recalling Nitish Kumar’s past stance against the BJP and his family’s commitment to the socialist cause. He expressed sympathy for JDU MLAs facing public scrutiny over Nitish Kumar’s multiple oaths as CM.
Taking a dig at HAM leader Jitan Ram Manjhi’s support for the NDA alliance, Yadav hinted at political opportunism and referenced Manjhi’s prior criticism of Nitish Kumar’s leadership. Taking a jibe at Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi for supporting the JDU and NDA alliance, Tejashwi Yadav said, “In the last session, when Jitan Ram Manjhi presented his views, the CM got angry and later Manjhi Ji said that someone gave you (Nitish Kumar) wrong medicine and that his mental condition was not good and should be treated. Now I have full trust that Manjhi Ji will give good medicine.”
Earlier in January, Nitish, who had reportedly gone into a sulk after not being named the convenor of INDIA, the Opposition bloc that took shape through his efforts, dumped the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar and the national coalition to form a new government with the support of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Nitish Kumar’s recent alliance shift, resigning as chief minister and forming a government with BJP support, marked a significant political upheaval in Bihar. The JD(U), BJP, and HAM-S together hold 128 seats, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan controls 115. The floor test will determine the ruling alliance’s majority.