Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing sharp criticism from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has publicly referred to him as a ‘putla’ (puppet) and a ‘mukhota’ (mask). Yadav also suggested that the BJP would sideline Kumar if the NDA emerges victorious. Nitish Kumar swiftly retaliated, calling the opposition’s manifesto a ‘bundle of lies’ and emphasizing his administration’s track record.
The Mahagathbandhan’s manifesto, presented by Tejashwi Yadav, offers significant promises, including a government job for every family in Bihar and the establishment of rules for job creation within 20 days. The alliance also pledges to provide permanent government positions and a Rs 30,000 salary to ‘Jeevika Didis,’ transition contractual employees to permanent status, and reinstate the Old Pension Scheme. Furthermore, the manifesto includes a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for women under the ‘Mai Behan Yojana,’ 200 units of free electricity per household, and an increase in reservation percentages.
The unveiling of the manifesto underscored Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership within the Mahagathbandhan, notably without the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav or Rahul Gandhi. While Yadav framed the election as a direct challenge to Nitish Kumar, his ‘puppet’ rhetoric was immediately addressed by Kumar’s swift response. Yadav’s claims about Nitish Kumar’s alleged ailments contrast with the Chief Minister’s visible energy on the campaign trail, addressing numerous rallies daily. A key electoral question is whether voters will be swayed by Yadav’s characterization of Nitish Kumar.