Bihar: Upendra Kushwaha questions Tejashwi Yadav’s absence amid Bakipur bypoll

Patna, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) President Upendra Kushwaha launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, alleging that the opposition party is weakening due to its leadership and internal developments.

Speaking to party workers in Rohtas, Kushwaha questioned Tejashwi Yadav's public absence during a politically significant period, particularly when the Bankipur Assembly by-election is underway.

He said the Leader of the Opposition has a constitutional responsibility to highlight the government's shortcomings and raise issues affecting the people. However, he alleged that Tejashwi Yadav has remained largely absent from the political scene, adding that many people in Bihar are unaware of his whereabouts.

Kushwaha clarified that while an individual's movements are a matter of personal liberty, the office of the Leader of the Opposition is subject to public accountability.

"The RJD is already a crumbling party. Constitutionally, its leader holds the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, yet he remains untraceable. When the leader himself is missing, what can be expected of the party? That is exactly what is happening," Upendra Kushwaha said.

He further alleged that Tejashwi Yadav's absence prevents him from understanding and effectively raising the concerns of ordinary citizens in Bihar.

The RLM chief also claimed that the RJD is witnessing an internal exodus, asserting that party workers and leaders are leaving because of dissatisfaction within the organisation.

Kushwaha's remarks come shortly after senior RJD leader and state spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari resigned from all party posts and primary membership. Tiwari, considered a close associate of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, cited humiliation and neglect within the party while announcing his resignation.

The comments have added to the political sparring ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly session and the Bankipur by-election, where both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are seeking to strengthen their political position.

Source: IANS