Tejashwi Yadav visits Madhubani firing victim's family, promises govt job
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Thursday, 5 November visited the residence of Ashok Yadav, who was killed in the Madhubani firing incident, and met his bereaved family in a show of solidarity that quickly turned into a sharp political offensive against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar.
The Condolence Visit
Tejashwi arrived at the victim's home with his convoy at around 4:50 pm and spent nearly 20 minutes with the family. He paid floral tribute to Ashok Yadav's portrait and personally offered condolences to the deceased's wife, Smita Devi, and son, Sitesh Kumar.
During the interaction, Tejashwi encouraged Sitesh to focus on his studies and clear his Class 12 examinations. He also assured Sitesh that he would take up his case with the government and push for a government job for him. Tejashwi additionally extended financial assistance to the family and pledged all possible support.
Tejashwi's Political Broadside on Bihar's Law and Order
After the condolence call, Tejashwi addressed a public gathering at a nearby venue, describing the Madhubani firing as 'heart-wrenching and unforgivable.' He launched a direct attack on the state government, questioning how those who had come to power through the 'back door' could credibly claim to maintain law and order in Bihar.
Tejashwi alleged that Bihar's law-and-order machinery had effectively collapsed and that the police, whose duty is to protect citizens, had 'turned into predators.' In a pointed jibe, he suggested that signboards should be erected at roads and intersections declaring that the police force had 'developed a criminal disposition.'
Demand for Justice and the Roshan Yadav Case
Beyond the Madhubani incident, Tejashwi also raised questions over the lack of action in the Roshan Yadav case, alleging a pattern of impunity under the current dispensation. He claimed that citizens in Bihar were now being forced to make their own arrangements for personal security — a pointed indictment of the state's governance record.
Attack on NDA Padyatra and Electoral Allegations
The RJD leader also targeted the NDA's ongoing padyatra, alleging it was an exercise aimed at shielding those responsible for 'vote theft.' He further accused the Central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of protecting Gyanesh Kumar and others allegedly involved in electoral irregularities, escalating the political temperature ahead of what is expected to be a charged legislative session.
This comes amid a broader pattern of opposition parties using high-profile crime incidents to corner the Bihar government on governance and security. The Madhubani firing and similar cases are likely to remain central to the RJD's campaign narrative in the months ahead.