The rift between political parties intensifies in Bihar as the Janata Dal (United) comes down heavily on the Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, criticizing his stance on the state government’s alleged shortcomings. Senior JD (U) leader and state minister Ashok Choudhary condemned Tejashwi Yadav for his recent comments targeting the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government and accusing them of various inadequacies.
Choudhary, in a scathing statement, addressed Yadav’s decision to launch a state-wide tour aimed at shedding light on the purported failures of the current ruling alliance. The RJD leader had raised concerns regarding the government’s promises to reinstate increased reservations for marginalized communities, the absence of special status for Bihar despite being part of the ruling coalition at the Centre, and the escalating crime rates in the state.
The JD (U) leader, known for his advocacy for Dalit rights, took a direct hit at Yadav’s leadership, questioning the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s track record on securing reservations for SCs and STs in local governance during their 15-year rule in Bihar. Choudhary emphasized that it was under Nitish Kumar’s leadership in 2005 that Dalits finally obtained their due through reservations in panchayats, underscoring the JD (U)’s commitment to social justice.
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the Nitish Kumar government in welfare policies for Dalits and tribals, Choudhary accused the RJD of neglecting the marginalized communities. He credited Nitish Kumar for establishing a department dedicated to SC and ST welfare with substantial financial allocations to uplift these sections of society.
The sharp criticism extended to Tejashwi Yadav’s attempt to question the government’s stance on the increase in reservations for SCs, STs, and backward classes, which was recently struck down by the Patna High Court. Despite the government’s legal challenge to this decision in the Supreme Court, Yadav persisted in blaming Nitish Kumar for the failure to secure constitutional protection for the heightened quotas.
Choudhary further cautioned Yadav regarding the importance of the caste survey, a pivotal factor in revising the population estimates of marginalized communities that warranted an increase in reservation quotas. He reiterated that this crucial step towards equitable representation was a strategic move facilitated by the JD (U) leadership.
This clash of ideologies and accusations between the JDU and RJD underscores the ongoing power struggle and political maneuverings in Bihar. As Tejashwi Yadav gears up for his state-wide tour, the battle of narratives and accusations only intensifies, setting the stage for a contentious political landscape in the state.
