In a recent interview that drew attention across Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) senior leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui, a former finance minister and close aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav, said that Tejashwi Yadav still has work to do before he can be seen as Bihar’s “Jananayak” or leader of the masses.
Siddiqui is known for his long political career, having been elected seven times as an MLA. In the interview, he praised Tejashwi for trying to meet the needs of backward classes. However, Siddiqui added that the younger Yadav must fully embrace the ideals of past leaders like Karpoori Thakur and Lalu to earn the public’s trust.
“Tejashwi is working hard, but it will take time,” Siddiqui told the news agency. “If he follows the visions of Lalu and Karpoori, the people will truly see him as their savior.”
The comment comes at a critical juncture. Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections are set for November 6 and 11, and the Mahagathbandhan alliance wants to keep its coalition strong. The alliance includes the RJD, the Indian National Congress, and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). Tejashwi has been chosen as the alliance’s chief ministerial face, while VIP’s Mukesh Sahani will be deputy chief minister.
Inside the RJD, there have been subtle tensions. Tej Pratap Yadav, Tejashwi’s elder brother who once criticized his leadership, had a rocky period after Tejashwi was earmarked for the chief minister’s post. Although they have since reconciled, the episode shows how family dynamics can influence party unity.
Siddiqui’s remarks also echo the spirited political “poster war” that erupted in February. A billboard near Rabri Devi’s house showed Tejashwi galloping on a horse with a “2025” banner, while a picture of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on a slow-moving tortoise was meant to critique the opposition. The visuals stirred controversy and painted the RJD as a bold campaign.
For the upcoming elections, the RJD’s message is clear: Tejashwi must connect deeply with extremely backward classes (EBCs) and Dalit voters, in addition to the party’s traditional Muslim and Yadav base. The NDA, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s backing, promises development, citing 1.5 million km of rural road projects.
Siddiqui’s comment is seen by analysts as a pragmatic reminder rather than a backlash. It underscores that Bihar’s voters will judge leadership by performance, not just legacy. As rallies resume across the state, the debate over Tejashwi’s readiness to lead adds extra heat to an already competitive election season.
Keywords: Bihar elections 2025, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Tejashwi Yadav, Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mahagathbandhan, North Indian politics.
Source: ianslive
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