‘They won’t come to power, so what’s the harm?’ Paswan jibes at opposition promises

Patna: As Bihar gears up for the November Assembly elections, political tensions are rising between the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. On Tuesday, Union Minister Chirag Paswan launched a sharp critique of the Mahagathbandhan, questioning the feasibility of their promises, particularly the pledge to provide government jobs to nearly 2.5 crore families. Paswan pointed out that Bihar’s budget of ₹3 lakh crore falls far short of the ₹7–9 lakh crore needed to fulfil such promises.

Paswan remarked, “What’s the big deal in making announcements if you know that you are not going to be in power? The Leader of Opposition knows there’s no harm in lying.” He reiterated his support for NDA ally Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister and emphasised that elected MLAs will choose the JD(U) leader post-results.

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Meanwhile, Mahagathbandhan Chief Ministerial nominee Tejashwi Yadav demanded clarity from the NDA on their CM candidate, while launching the alliance’s joint manifesto, the ‘Tejashwi Pran Patra’. Highlighting issues like overcrowded special trains during Chhath Puja, he accused the NDA government of mismanagement and claimed the people of Bihar are seeking a change.

The Mahagathbandhan includes RJD, Congress, CPI, CPM, CPI-ML, and VIP, led by Mukesh Sahani, who has been named as Deputy CM nominee. The NDA comprises BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM. The Bihar elections for 243 Assembly seats will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14.

Chirag Paswan’s comments came a day before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders launch their campaign in Patna. Paswan also performed Chhath Puja rituals at his Patna residence, invoking blessings for Bihar and the country.

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Tejashwi Yadav, as the face of the Mahagathbandhan, unveiled a roadmap for governance, promising development over the next five years. He criticised the NDA for focusing on negative narratives and questioned their preparedness to address Bihar’s challenges. Meanwhile, Mukesh Sahani has been nominated as the Deputy Chief Minister candidate by the alliance.

The elections are expected to be a closely contested battle between NDA and Mahagathbandhan, with both sides campaigning actively across Bihar to secure voter support ahead of the November 6 and 11 voting dates.