Ritesh Pandey, a Bhojpuri singer and leader of the Jan Suraj Party, addressed questions regarding Tejashwi Yadav’s educational qualifications. During a TV-9 digital meeting held in Gaya, he stated that the assertion that one cannot become a leader without a degree is inaccurate. The discussion arose from a question about Prashant Kishor’s repeated criticisms of Tejashwi Yadav, referring to him as having failed the ninth grade. Pandey, when asked about his own educational background, stated that he had completed his 12th grade and holds a graduate degree in music. He further commented on the recent questioning of Prashant Kishor’s own degree, suggesting that if Kishor disagrees with the ninth-grade failure claim, he should present his 10th-grade certificate. Pandey also suggested that the media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, could directly inquire about Kishor’s degree.
When asked why Prashant Kishor calls Tejashwi Yadav a ninth-grade failure and the relevance to politics, Pandey responded that the answer lies with Kishor himself. Pandey used the example of the flood situation in Raghopur, where the public was struggling in waist-deep water, contrasting this with reports of Tejashwi Yadav celebrating with a cake in a private jet. Pandey emphasized the need for leaders to visit the areas they are responsible for. He contrasted this with leaders who only conduct aerial surveys during disasters, while Prashant Kishor, in his opinion, immerses himself in the problems faced by the people. He concluded by stating that Prashant Kishor is working harder than any other leader in Bihar today and has openly addressed all accusations against him.