Patna (Bihar) [India], September 28 : Leader of the Opposition in Bihar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the Nitish Kumar-led government, calling it a "copycat" administration that lacks vision. According to him, the RJD has a clear vision for Bihar, while the current government is "visionless."
"We are also eager for answers. There are some serious issues that everyone, including journalists and the public, should be aware of. This government is a copycat, whereas we have a vision; this government is visionless," said Yadav.
As assembly polls are due in the state later this year, Tejashwi Yadav alleged corruption in the state's finances. He questioned the current availability of revenue and the Chief Minister's plans to increase the revenue.
"Our question is about corruption. Bihar's total budget in February 2025 was Rs 3,17,000 crores. Additionally, a first supplementary amount of 58,000 crores was allocated in July. The Aasmik Nidhi amount increased to 20,000 crores from 12,000 crores. How much does the Bihar government have? The government had 3,95,000 crores. Out of 395,000 crores, some amount is committed to expenditure, and salaries are not related to any plan; 2 lakh crores of salaries are committed. If ₹1,95,000 crore is left, then there's still funding for the scheme, including the previous one. Many schemes are already underway, which require funding. Tell us how much revenue is available and how the Chief Minister plans to increase the revenue?" questioned Yadav.
Yadav further accused the government of making the scheme's announcements out of fear of losing elections.
"...In recent days, many announcements have been made by the Chief Minister and the government. All in all, announcements totalling Rs 7 lakh 8 thousand 729 crore have been made by the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. I want to ask the Chief Minister what his vision is. You don't have 1 lakh crore, and you've talked about more than 7 lakh crore. Where will this money come from? What is Bihar's revenue generation? This double-engine government is going to lose at double speed this time. These announcements are out of fear..." said Yadav.
Earlier, Bihar's Leader of Opposition and RJD leader, Tejashwii Yadav, accused the JDU-BJP government of anti-Dalit policies, claiming that the Scheduled Caste population has a lower participation rate in the government and professional sectors.
Sharing the glimpses from the 'Pataliputra Dalit Conference' by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), Tejashwi launched a sharp attack against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP, accusing them of an RSS-like policy.
The RJD leader wrote on X, "Participated in the 'Pataliputra Dalit Conference' organised by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR). For 20 years, the RSS policy of the Nitish-BJP double-engine government has led to anti-Dalit policies, due to which, despite the population of Scheduled Castes in Bihar being more than 21.3 per cent, the participation of Dalits in government and professional sectors has been limited to just 1.13 per cent."
He further accused the government of not allocating appropriate funds for the students from the Scheduled Tribes and the Scheduled Castes. "The Bihar government is using the funds allocated under the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste sub-plan for other purposes, as a result of which these sections receive no direct benefit. When it comes to schemes for scholarships, progress, advancement, and improvement for Dalit students, this anti-Dalit government starts making excuses of a shortage of funds," said Yadav.
Meanwhile, the Bihar Assembly election is set to be held later this year. The primary contest is between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD. In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates.