Tejashwi Yadav named INDIA bloc CM face in Bihar, marking RJD leader’s ascent
Patna — After weeks of speculation and internal disputes, the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, or Mahagathbandhan, officially named Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate on Thursday. Analysts had long expected the move, calling him the natural choice for the role.
In a symbolic gesture of unity, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani received the deputy chief ministerial nomination. The announcement aims to shift attention away from weeks of public discord among allies.
The formal declaration came during a joint press conference in Patna. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, sent by the Congress leadership as its troubleshooter, joined Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav on stage.
“All allies in the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, have agreed that Tejashwi will lead as CM candidate. We will fight the election unitedly,” Gehlot said. “The decision follows consultation with all partners and our president Mallikarjun Kharge.”
The announcement ended weeks of unease in the alliance. The Opposition, aiming to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after four consecutive terms, had struggled with internal friction over candidate selection. Thursday’s reveal refocused attention on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Tejashwi’s elevation was hardly sudden. He led the alliance in 2020 and came just 12 seats short of a majority, with the RJD emerging as the largest party with 75 seats. Colleagues note that his near-win shaped his political approach and campaign style.
Over the years, Tejashwi has transitioned from dynastic scion to decisive leader. He has emphasized jobs, youth, and welfare in his campaigns. Analysts say his partnership with VIP chief Mukesh Sahani helped smooth previous tensions in the bloc.
Tejashwi has faced turbulence, including scrutiny in the IRCTC case, in which he and his parents were charged. He called the accusations “a political vendetta” by the BJP. Despite controversy, his control over the RJD remains strong. His elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and sister Misa Bharti have carved separate political paths, while Tejashwi directs party strategy.
Tejashwi’s political journey began 15 years ago with a brief IPL stint and early appearances at the RJD office in Patna. He entered active politics in 2015 from Raghopur in Vaishali district. Soon after, he became deputy CM in Nitish Kumar’s government, gaining a reputation as an efficient road construction minister.
Even after Nitish Kumar switched alliances, Tejashwi remained focused as Leader of the Opposition. His 2020 “10 lakh jobs” campaign resonated widely. During his second tenure as deputy CM (2022–24), he influenced state policies, including Nitish’s Independence Day speech promising five lakh government jobs.
Tejashwi also faces multiple legal challenges. He is accused in CBI cases involving alleged IRCTC hotel contract irregularities and land-for-jobs allegations. He also faces a 2020 murder case and disclosed 11 criminal cases in his election affidavit, including charges of conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and anti-corruption violations.
Despite the controversies, Tejashwi stands as the undisputed CM face of the INDIA bloc, aiming to challenge the NDA’s long-standing rule in Bihar while promising governance and employment reforms.
