RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the chief ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc, on Friday expressed deep concern over Bihar’s persistent poverty and rising unemployment, despite two decades of JD(U)-led NDA rule. Speaking at a rally in Bakhtiyarpur, he criticized the ruling alliance for failing to improve farmers’ livelihoods and claimed that if the NDA returns to power, Nitish Kumar would not continue as the state’s chief minister. Yadav stressed that his priority would be to form a government that listens to citizens’ grievances, provides affordable medicines, generates employment, and delivers a corruption-free administration.

The former deputy chief minister accused the central government of protecting corrupt leaders and criminals in Bihar, asserting that the INDIA bloc would ensure strict action against scams and criminal activity. Highlighting the state’s low per capita income and growing social issues, he argued that BJP-led development in other states, like Gujarat, has bypassed Bihar and failed to benefit its citizens. Tejashwi contended that previous claims of ‘jungle raj’ under the RJD were being unfairly blamed on him while the current government continues to allow scams and crime to persist unchecked.

In addition to promising governance reforms, Yadav announced specific welfare measures, including reducing LPG cylinder prices to ₹500, increasing old-age pensions to ₹1,500, providing government jobs to each household, and regularizing contractual workers and community mobilisers. He maintained that his administration would prioritize public welfare, education, and healthcare, ensuring that citizens feel “chinta mukt” (tension-free). By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric policies, Yadav positioned the INDIA bloc as an alternative to what he described as entrenched corruption and negligence in Bihar under the current NDA regime.