Bihar Deputy CM Critiques Lalu Prasad Yadav Ahead of Elections

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sinha, has made headlines today by referencing the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, during a critique of Lalu Prasad Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). This exchange comes as the state prepares for assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and November 11, 2023. Yadav recently asserted that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would “run away” after the polls, prompting Sinha’s response.

In his remarks, Sinha likened Yadav to Dhritarashtra, the blind king from the Mahabharata, suggesting that Yadav’s affection for his son has clouded his judgment. “He keeps making such statements just to stay relevant in politics,” Sinha stated, drawing on the metaphor of Dhritarashtra, who is often portrayed as a father unable to see the flaws in his children’s actions.

Yadav’s social media post, which included the phrase “Chah aur gyarah, NDA nau do gyarah,” reflects his confidence in the electoral outcome, emphasizing the two-phase voting process. His comments have sparked sharp reactions from various political figures within the ruling coalition.

Samrat Choudhary, another Deputy Chief Minister, added his voice to the debate, reminding Yadav that November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day. He remarked, “It is on that day that counting of votes will also take place… so Lalu ji will get to know who is a child in Bihar politics on that very day.” This comment underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming elections.

Leaders from the NDA’s partner, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), have also weighed in on Yadav’s predictions. Ashok Choudhary, a state minister and JD(U) national secretary, expressed a sense of fatigue regarding discussions about Yadav. “How long should I keep speaking about him? In the upcoming elections, I only have my salutes to offer to him,” he stated. Despite this, he conveyed that the party is prepared for the two-phase elections, which differ from the single-phase polling that occurred in Maharashtra last year.

Additionally, Santosh Kumar Suman, a state minister and son of Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, criticized Yadav’s claims, suggesting that he mistakenly wrote “NDA” when referring to his own party’s prospects. Suman highlighted the challenges faced during the RJD’s previous tenure, noting, “The last time RJD remained in power for 15 years, Bihar went back by 30 years. Tejashwi Yadav promises to make a difference in 20 months. He will take Bihar back by 40 years.”

As the assembly elections approach, the political climate in Bihar is heating up, with leaders from different parties engaging in a war of words. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the future of Bihar’s governance but also shape the political landscape of the region for years to come.