RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav’s absence from Bihar’s political scene at a crucial time has provided ammunition to the ruling NDA, which has begun questioning his commitment to discharging his responsibilities as the Leader of the Opposition.
NDA leaders pointed out that the five-day Monsoon Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin on Monday, while the Bankipur Assembly by-election will be held on 30 July. They argued that during a period marked by both the Assembly session and an important by-election, the public expects the Leader of the Opposition to play an active role.
Questioning Tejashwi Yadav’s undeclared foreign trip, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said he was surprised by the RJD leader’s absence at such a crucial time.
He alleged that Tejashwi Yadav was distancing himself from his political responsibilities, thereby weakening the RJD’s position.
Chirag Paswan said the post of Leader of the Opposition carries significant responsibility and that, with the RJD’s candidate contesting the Bankipur by-election, Tejashwi Yadav should have been leading the party’s campaign.
He further said that after the party’s defeat in the Assembly elections, the Bankipur by-election presented an opportunity for the RJD to demonstrate its strength, but the Leader of the Opposition was instead occupied with a foreign visit.
Chirag Paswan also said that Tejashwi Yadav should be concerned about the people of Bihar as well as his own party.
BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said Tejashwi Yadav appeared to be following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political style. He noted that Rahul Gandhi had already returned from abroad, while Tejashwi Yadav was still in Europe.
Responding on behalf of the RJD, MLA Kumar Sarvjeet said leaders of the ruling alliance were trying to divert public attention from real issues by creating a controversy over Tejashwi Yadav’s absence.
The RJD MLA said Tejashwi Yadav remained fully committed to his party and expressed confidence that he would attend the Assembly’s Monsoon Session as well as campaign for the RJD candidate in the Bankipur by-election.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, an all-party meeting was held under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar. During the meeting, leaders agreed to ensure the smooth and peaceful functioning of the House, avoid disruptions during Question Hour, and hold meaningful discussions on issues of public interest.