Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav launched a sharp verbal attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, accusing him of using public funds for self-promotion while mocking his women outreach drive. Speaking to the media, Lalu remarked, “Nayan sekne ja rahe hain” (he is going to ogle at women), a jibe that has sparked political controversy.
RJD Slams Nitish Kumar’s Outreach Efforts
The remarks came amidst Nitish Kumar’s ongoing outreach campaign, aimed at engaging women across the state. Lalu’s younger son and RJD leader, Tejashwi Yadav, added to the criticism, accusing the Chief Minister of recklessly spending over ₹225 crores from the state treasury on what he termed a “self-promotion spree.”
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tejashwi wrote:
“₹2,25,78,00,000—225 crores and 78 lakh rupees! Yes, you heard it right. In just 15 days of travel, Bihar’s treasury is set to lose billions as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recklessly spends on his self-promotion spree.”
Tejashwi alleged that the funds were being squandered on an agenda with no real impact on the ground, claiming that the state continues to grapple with issues like unemployment, corruption, and rising crime.
Criticism Over Mismanagement and Public Spending
Tejashwi further criticized Nitish Kumar for neglecting pressing issues such as collapsing infrastructure, widespread corruption, and the struggles faced by women and students. Highlighting systemic failures, he said:
“The plight of Jeevika women, corruption in collapsed bridges, uncontrollable crime, and record-breaking unemployment are glaring examples of Bihar’s administrative collapse. Yet, the Chief Minister spends billions on officials in the name of propaganda.”
The RJD leader also pointed out the alleged misuse of public funds, labeling Nitish’s outreach efforts as an “electoral picnic.”
Support for Mamata Banerjee as INDIA Bloc Leader
Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad Yadav also addressed questions about the Congress’s objection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s reported desire to lead the opposition INDIA Bloc. Dismissing the objections, Lalu said:
“Congress’s objection means nothing. We will support Mamata… Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership of the INDIA Bloc. We will form the government again in 2025.”
Nitish Kumar Yet to Respond
As the political storm brews, Nitish Kumar has not yet responded to the scathing attacks from the RJD. His women outreach campaign, which aims to connect with grassroots constituencies, particularly women voters, remains a central part of his strategy ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
The escalating war of words between the JD(U) and RJD underscores the intense political rivalry in Bihar as parties gear up for the next electoral battle.