New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) In response to the announcement of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Jaiveer Singh stated that the citizens of Bihar are “not inclined to endure Lalu’s family once more.”

During an interview with IANS, Jaiveer Singh remarked, “The entire state of Bihar recalls the conditions from two decades ago — characterized by jungle raj, lawlessness, looting, and unlawful land grabs that were emblematic of Lalu’s regime. The memories of that time are vivid among the people of Bihar. The repercussions of that period are still evident in Tejashwi Yadav. The citizens of Bihar are definitely not in a frame of mind to accept Lalu’s family again.”

On the other hand, Congress MP Sukhdev Bhagat defended the Mahagathbandhan’s choice, asserting, “Tejashwi Yadav has previously held the position of Deputy Chief Minister and possesses the political acumen required for leadership. The INDI Alliance has done its duty by announcing its Chief Ministerial candidate. Now, it’s the NDA’s responsibility to present theirs, but they are hesitant because they continue to deceive Nitish Kumar. Through your platform, I call upon them to officially state Nitish Kumar as their Chief Ministerial candidate.”

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also responded and said, “We are conscious of our actions, and we have not erred. Just be patient for a few more days; a significant message reflecting the ground reality will soon emerge. Tejashwi Yadav as the face of the Mahagathbandhan is a universal truth.”

He continued, “However, it is also crucial to consider the other perspective. We do not wish Bihar to turn into Maharashtra, where elections were contested under a single leadership, only for the Chief Minister to later be designated as Deputy CM. Bihar is not Maharashtra; clarity is vital.”

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav's nomination as the Chief Ministerial face was announced during a joint press conference held at Hotel Maurya, Patna.

The declaration was made by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who was accompanied by leaders from the alliance's constituent partners.

“Tejashwi Yadav is youthful and committed. He has fulfilled all his promises. He has a promising political career ahead. Therefore, we have decided to contest this election under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. He will be our Chief Ministerial candidate,” Gehlot stated.

Gehlot also revealed Mukesh Sahani as the candidate for the Deputy Chief Minister's role.

This decision follows a prolonged dispute among the constituent partners — particularly between the RJD and Congress — regarding seat-sharing arrangements and the Chief Ministerial candidate.

According to the final agreement, the RJD will contest 143 seats, maintaining its stronghold, especially among the Muslim-Yadav (MY) voter demographic.

The Grand Alliance has faced significant criticism for its inability to resolve internal conflicts, especially as the nomination deadlines for the second phase approach.

The primary stalemate arose due to the Congress party’s request to contest 70 seats, the same amount it contested in the 2020 Assembly elections — a year in which it won only 19 seats, achieving a strike rate of merely 27 percent.