Is Tejashwi Yadav the Right Choice for Grand Alliance's CM Face?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav named as CM face for the Grand Alliance.
- NDA leaders criticize this decision as tardy.
- Intense negotiations preceded the announcement.
- Future of Bihar politics hangs in balance.
- Seat-sharing discussions were crucial for the coalition.
Patna, Oct 23 (NationPress) Following the formal declaration by senior Congress figure and ex-Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been named the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Grand Alliance. This announcement prompted leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to criticize the opposition coalition, labeling the choice as too little, too late.
The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) mocked both the Congress and the RJD, asserting that the Congress was forced to yield due to pressure from Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Neeraj Kumar, JD-U MLC and primary spokesperson, remarked: “A discontented Babua (Tejashwi Yadav) has been handed a lollipop.”
In a post on X, Kumar stated: “It’s too late, brother Nandlala! The initial phase has concluded, and the disgruntled Babua has received a lollipop. The one under whose command the BJP faced significant defeats in 2019 and 2024 is now the leader! On November 14, the NDA will establish a government under Nitish Kumar, and Babua will be sent an organic lollipop.”
BJP MP from Patna Sahib, Ravi Shankar Prasad, derided the Grand Alliance’s announcement, questioning their chances of success. “It’s commendable that they’ve finally made a move, but can they really win? The citizens of Bihar are geared to progress with Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, anticipating a decisive triumph.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP from Katihar, Tariq Anwar, attempted to diminish the controversy, stating the announcement was simply a formality.
“It was already common knowledge. Anyone with basic political insight knew that the Mahagathbandhan would contest the upcoming elections under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership,” Anwar noted.
This announcement followed extensive discussions between the RJD and Congress regarding seat allocations and the chief ministerial candidate.
Senior Congress figures from Delhi, including Gehlot, traveled to Patna to break the stalemate.
During a joint press briefing, Gehlot confirmed Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face for this election, adding that Mukesh Sahani will serve as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar if the Grand Alliance secures victory in the state.