Are Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav Exploiting the Muslim Community?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold statement, Chirag Paswan accuses Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav of exploiting the Muslim community as a vote bank, denying them political representation. This controversial claim has sparked significant debate and dissatisfaction within the community. Discover the unfolding political dynamics and community responses in Bihar ahead of the 2025 elections.
Key Takeaways
- Chirag Paswan criticizes the RJD for neglecting the Muslim community.
- BJP backs Paswan's allegations about Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav.
- Calls for equitable political representation for Muslims in Bihar.
- Historical context of political compromises from 2005 highlighted.
- Community dissatisfaction over lack of leadership roles.
New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) In a fierce critique, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of leveraging the Muslim community for electoral gain while neglecting their political advancement. Backing Paswan, BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain stated that Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav view the Muslim community as their bonded labour.
In an interview with IANS, Shahnawaz Hussain remarked, “Chirag Paswan's observations are spot on. Back in 2005, Lalu Yadav had a chance when Ram Vilas Paswan pledged his support for any RJD leader to be made Chief Minister. However, Lalu Yadav declined. Even now, with no chance of him being Chief Minister through the RJD, he continues to push for his son’s elevation while announcing Mukesh Sahani as Deputy Chief Minister.”
He further elaborated, “The Muslim community, seen merely as a vote bank, has been deceived by the Mahagathbandhan. Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav treat Muslims as their bonded labour, believing that by instilling fear of the BJP, they can guarantee their votes. However, the Muslim community is no longer content with this approach. Everything Chirag Paswan has stated rings true.”
Earlier, Chirag Paswan called upon the Muslim community to liberate themselves from what he termed a “bonded vote bank.”
He recalled that in 2005, his father and LJP founder, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, made a monumental political gesture to endorse the idea of a Muslim Chief Minister in Bihar, which the RJD rejected.
“In 2005, my leader, my father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan ji, even sacrificed his own party to advocate for a Muslim Chief Minister — yet even then, the RJD did not support him,” Chirag Paswan expressed in a post on X.
He criticized the RJD for holding on to the same stance two decades later.
“The RJD was unwilling to support a Muslim Chief Minister in 2005, and today in 2025, it remains unprepared to offer either a Muslim Chief Minister or a Deputy Chief Minister!” Paswan asserted, questioning the party’s commitment to inclusivity.
Chirag Paswan urged the Muslim community to advocate for equitable representation.
“How will you gain respect and participation if you remain a bonded vote bank?” he appealed to Muslim voters.
The Union Minister's remarks followed the Mahagathbandhan's recent announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahani as one of the Deputy Chief Ministerial candidates for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The lack of a Muslim leader in any significant position within the alliance has sparked frustration among various AIMIM leaders.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the sentiments expressed by Chirag Paswan regarding the representation of the Muslim community in Bihar's political landscape. His remarks highlight a significant disconnect between political promises and the reality faced by the community. It is crucial for political parties to engage with all segments of society and ensure equitable representation to foster trust and inclusivity.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Chirag Paswan accuse the RJD of?
Chirag Paswan accused the RJD of exploiting the Muslim community for votes while denying them meaningful political positions.
Who supported Chirag Paswan's claims?
BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain supported Chirag Paswan's claims, stating that Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav treat the Muslim community as bonded labour.
What historical context did Chirag Paswan provide?
Chirag Paswan referenced a 2005 incident where his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, offered to support a Muslim Chief Minister, which the RJD rejected.
What was the reaction of the Muslim community?
The Muslim community expressed discontent over the lack of representation in top political positions within the Mahagathbandhan.
What are the implications for the upcoming elections?
The controversy surrounding representation may influence voter sentiment and political strategies heading into the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
