As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has launched a strong offensive against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. The ruling coalition accuses Yadav of resorting to ‘jumlebaazi’—making empty slogans and unrealistic promises to mislead voters.
Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal stated that the Mahagathbandhan, with Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, is aware of its impending defeat. He characterized their current campaign as a ‘drama’ initiated only after realizing their loss was imminent. Jaiswal emphasized that opposition leaders, including those from Congress and RJD, only become vocal about public welfare when out of power.
Echoing these sentiments, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi asserted that the electorate of Bihar is politically savvy and will not be swayed by Yadav’s rhetoric. Manjhi recalled similar tactics during the Lok Sabha elections, where claims of the Constitution being in danger allegedly influenced some voters, leading to fewer seats for the NDA. He believes the opposition is repeating this strategy.
Manjhi further alleged that the Mahagathbandhan is intentionally spreading misinformation. He suggested that if the opposition were to come to power, they would fail to deliver on their promises and would likely blame the central government for financial shortfalls. He expressed confidence that the people of Bihar would not fall for these tactics again.
Deputy Chief Minister and NDA candidate from Tarapur, Samrat Choudhary, contrasted the opposition’s rhetoric with the NDA’s performance. He stated that while the opposition merely talks, the NDA, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, delivers tangible results and fulfills its commitments. Choudhary highlighted the difference between ‘those who talk’ and ‘those who act’.
The NDA’s criticism comes in response to Tejashwi Yadav’s recent campaign pledges. Yadav promised to double the honorarium and allowances for panchayat and village court representatives, along with introducing a pension scheme and a ₹50 lakh insurance cover for these officials. Additionally, he pledged interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh over five years for individuals from marginalized communities involved in traditional professions. These loans are intended to help them acquire modern tools and enhance self-employment opportunities.
Yadav, exuding confidence, urged voters to give the Mahagathbandhan a chance, stating that Bihar is ready for change and promising to build a ‘new Bihar’ within 20 months. Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor subtly criticized Yadav, questioning his supporters’ portrayal of him as Bihar’s ‘hero’ and suggesting that those who have allegedly ‘ruined’ the state cannot be its saviors. The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results announced on November 14.