PATNA: Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, made a bold statement on Tuesday. During a public meeting in Nawada, he openly endorsed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc in the 2029 elections. The event was part of Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing Vote Adhikar Yatra, aimed at rallying support ahead of the crucial polls.
Yadav didn’t hold back in his praise for Gandhi. He claimed that Rahul has been giving “sleepless nights” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called on the public to ensure Gandhi becomes the next PM. The comment drew cheers from the crowd, signaling a united front among opposition leaders.
The RJD leader also took sharp aim at the NDA government, describing it as a “khatara” (rickety) administration. He accused the coalition of misruling Bihar for two decades and expressed confidence that the youth would decisively end their reign in the upcoming Assembly elections. Tejashwi has been positioned by his party as the Opposition’s chief ministerial candidate, though Congress has remained non-committal on the matter.
Rahul Gandhi, flanked by CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, and Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar, didn’t miss the opportunity to criticize the BJP. He alleged a covert “partnership” between the ruling party and the Election Commission, accusing them of attempting to steal votes. Gandhi linked this to broader issues, claiming that voter rights are being eroded to benefit industrialists like Adani and Ambani.
The public meeting in Nawada served as a platform for the INDIA bloc to solidify its messaging. With Tejashwi’s endorsement, the opposition is clearly rallying behind Rahul Gandhi as their central figure. The move is strategic, aiming to consolidate anti-BJP votes ahead of the elections.
Political analysts see this as a significant development, especially in Bihar, where RJD holds considerable influence. Tejashwi’s vocal support for Gandhi could help bridge gaps between regional parties and the Congress, creating a more cohesive opposition front.
The BJP, meanwhile, is expected to counter these claims aggressively. The party has consistently dismissed allegations of electoral malpractices and has accused the opposition of spreading false narratives. As the political temperature rises, all eyes will be on how these dynamics play out in the coming months.
Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Adhikar Yatra continues to gain momentum, with more such rallies planned across Bihar and other states. The INDIA bloc is banking on these public engagements to connect with voters and challenge the BJP’s dominance. Whether this strategy pays off will only be clear when the elections arrive.