Bihar Assembly Polls: Leaders lock horns over CM face and alliances

Patna, Bihar: As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, the battle lines are clearly drawn, with key leaders exchanging sharp statements over alliances and chief ministerial candidates.

While speaking to the media, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, asserted that the BJP has no intention of supporting Nitish Kumar again. He said, "In the NDA, not even a single joint press conference has been held, nor has the Chief Minister’s face been officially announced. From the very beginning, we have been saying that the BJP will not make Nitish Ji the Chief Minister again. And Amit Shah Ji himself has said, not once but several times, that the decision will be made based on the votes of the legislative party."

Meanwhile, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari slammed the RJD-Congress alliance, dubbing it a “Lathbandhan” instead of a genuine coalition: "The Congress is not ready to accept Tejashwi Yadav. This delay clearly shows the internal conflicts that have come. During the nomination period, every party fielded its own candidates. They have filed nominations for more than 36 seats - what kind of alliance is this? This isn't an alliance at all. This is what we call a 'lathbandhan'."

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot also raised questions about the NDA’s leadership clarity, demanding they reveal their CM face. He stated:

"We want to ask Amit Shah ji and their party president — our leader has been chosen, which is Tejashwi Yadav — who is your candidate? It will not work if you are fighting the election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. They need to tell us who their chief ministerial face is, that is our demand."

JD(U) leader KC Tyagi, however, criticised Tejashwi Yadav, questioning his electoral credibility. He remarked, "Many elections have been fought under his (Tejashwi Yadav’s) leadership. He is a defeated warrior, and in this election too, his defeat is certain. There is nothing new for him to show or do."

The ongoing exchanges reflect the high-stakes political maneuvering in Bihar as parties gear up for a fierce electoral battle.