“The Game Has Just Started, It Is Not Over Yet”: Tejashwi Yadav After Nitish Kumar Leaves With BJP

In the wake of Nitish Kumar‘s departure from the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar to form an alliance with the BJP, Tejashwi Yadav, outgoing deputy chief minister and scion of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), delivered a resolute message, signaling that the political arena in Bihar is far from quiet. This is the ninth time Nitish Kumar taking oath as Bihar chief minister and fifth flip flop in last 11 years he is doing to change alliances in the politically volatile state.

“It seems we made a tired CM (chief minister) work. The game is not over yet,” declared Tejashwi Yadav, reflecting on the recent political upheaval in Bihar. Despite Kumar’s defection, Yadav remains undeterred, expressing confidence in his party’s prospects.

“The game has just started, it is not over yet. What I say, I do… I can give you in writing that the JD(U) will be finished in 2024. The public is with us,” asserted Yadav, outlining his determination to challenge the JD(U) and BJP’s NDA alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Acknowledging the BJP’s role in facilitating Nitish Kumar’s transition, Yadav remarked, “I want to thank the BJP that it got ready to induct his (Nitish Kumar’s) party in their alliance,” acknowledging the shifting alliances in Bihar’s political landscape.

Highlighting the achievements of the Mahagathbandhan government during its tenure, Yadav emphasized, “Why should we not take credit for the work we have done? The Chief Minister who used to say that it is impossible to give jobs, we gave jobs and showed that it is possible. We brought new policies in tourism, IT, and sports.”

Yadav further underscored the significance of their accomplishments, stating, “The work that was done in 17 months could not be done in 17 years. We did historic work in the 17 months,” reflecting on the strides made by the coalition during its tenure.

In the Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the RJD holds 79 seats, making it the largest party. It is closely followed by the BJP, with 78 seats, and the JD(U) with 45 seats. The Congress has 19 seats, while the CPI (M-L) holds 12 seats. Additionally, there are two seats each for the CPI(M) and CPI, four seats for the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and one seat each for the AIMIM and an Independent legislator.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, Bharatiya Janata Party had won 17 while Janata Dal (United) secured 16 seats, both were part of NDA at that time. Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party, which was also part of NDA had emerged victorious in 6 seats then. Rashtriya Janata Dal, which was part of erstwhile United Progressive Alliance scored 0 and Indian National Congress had won 1 seat then.