Tejashwi Yadav attacks Bihar govt on inflation, dynastic politics, and law and order
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday, 16 May launched a pointed assault on the Bihar government, targeting Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and his Cabinet over what he described as governance failure, rising inflation, dynastic dominance, and deteriorating public safety. The remarks, made in Patna, marked one of his sharpest public attacks on the ruling dispensation in recent weeks.
Photo Ops Over Governance, Tejashwi Alleges
Tejashwi alleged that the Bihar administration — from the Chief Minister down to Cabinet Ministers — is consumed by publicity rather than policy. He mocked what he called a culture of 'walking a few metres and posing for photos,' arguing that such optics-driven conduct reflects a government without vision or a credible development roadmap. Critics of the opposition, however, contend that such characterisations are standard political rhetoric ahead of a consolidation cycle.
Dynastic Politics and Charge-Sheeted Ministers
Responding to questions about charge-sheeted individuals in the Bihar Cabinet, Tejashwi alleged that the current dispensation is actively patronising individuals with criminal records. He claimed that nearly 18 ministers in the Bihar Cabinet come from political families, accusing the government of the very dynastic politics that the ruling coalition has historically levelled at the RJD. He also questioned the credibility of a Chief Minister who, according to him, faces serious allegations himself — a charge the government has not publicly addressed in this context.
Inflation and Post-Election Burden on Citizens
On economic concerns, Tejashwi alleged that prices of essential commodities — including fuel — have surged following the elections. He accused the Bihar government of misleading voters during the election period and subsequently burdening them with inflation. This comes amid broader national conversations about the cost of living, with food and fuel prices remaining elevated across several Indian states in 2025.
Education, Health, and Departmental Failures
Tejashwi directed specific criticism at the functioning of the Education and Health Ministries, describing both as emblematic of a wider governance decline in Bihar. He did not provide specific data points but framed the deterioration as systemic rather than incidental — a characterisation that opposition parties have repeatedly made over successive administrations in the state.
Law and Order During Power Outages
Raising law-and-order concerns, the Leader of the Opposition cited incidents during recent power outages, alleging that criminal activities — including shootings and killings of traders — occur within minutes of blackouts. While acknowledging that blackout drills may serve a legitimate security purpose, Tejashwi questioned the government's preparedness for civilian safety, asking when protective infrastructure such as bunkers would be built for ordinary citizens. He concluded by asserting that the state government has prioritised its own security while failing to ensure the safety and welfare of Bihar's people.