Should Tejashwi Yadav Become Bihar's CM for Change?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, Nov 4 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a compelling appeal on Tuesday, urging the citizens of Bihar to cast their votes for the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav in order to instigate a much-needed transformation in the upcoming elections.
"To initiate change in Bihar, I have encouraged voters to back the Mahagathbandhan and ensure that Tejashwi Yadav ascends to the Chief Minister position," Shivakumar elaborated.
During a media interaction near the Bengaluru "Kaushalya Summit" 2025 event held on Tuesday, the Deputy Chief Minister addressed inquiries regarding a letter he sent requesting paid leave for Bihari voters residing in Bengaluru, enabling them to have their voices heard at the polls.
"In a democratic society, voting is our primary right. Our vote is our entitlement. Therefore, every individual should actively engage in the electoral process. As the State president of the Congress party, I have urged all organizations to grant paid leave to Bihari voters so they can fulfill their voting duty," he stated.
When questioned about the alliance's confidence level regarding the ongoing Bihar elections, he remarked, "The people of Bihar are yearning for change. This is why we are optimistic. This sentiment resonates across the entire nation."
On whether he would advocate for a special train service for Bihari voters, Shivakumar replied, "I won't comment on that right now. It is sufficient for Bihari workers here to receive paid leave to exercise their voting rights."
"I will not intervene in matters related to the Central government. It is their duty to assist everyone. The people of Bihar are contributing significantly in various sectors like construction, aiding in nation-building," he added.
"We (Karnataka government) take pride in the diligent work of the people of Bihar. I have assured them that they will have the opportunity to form their own associations. Individuals from states such as Assam have already applied to establish similar associations, which should be facilitated for sharing perspectives," he mentioned.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shivakumar urged private businesses and organizations in Bengaluru and throughout the state to offer three days of paid leave to Bihari workers, enabling them to vote in the Bihar Assembly elections.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized, "The Bihar Assembly elections are set for November 6 and November 11. A substantial number of Bihari residents are employed in Bengaluru and across Karnataka. In this context, I urge all companies, industrialists, hotel owners, contractors, builders, shops, and other entrepreneurs to provide at least three days of paid leave to allow Bihari voters to participate in the elections."
"I implore them to grant paid leave and enable Bihari voters to engage actively in the democratic process," Shivakumar concluded.