Nitish Kumar not in control of Bihar, people see me as Chief Minister: Tejashwi Yadav
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a strong attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying that he had entered an "unconscious state". Tejashwi Yadav also accused Nitish Kumar's government of nepotism, alleging that important positions in the administration were being handed out to relatives of senior leaders.Speaking to India Today/Aaj Tak in the run-up to the Bihar assembly election likely to take place later this year, Tejashwi Yadav also claimed that the people of Bihar want him to be the next Chief Minister and that Nitish Kumar was no longer in control of the state.advertisement'I want to become CM. I am the top choice for CM among the people of Bihar,' Tejashwi said, claiming that he believes the public is with him. "I am constantly among the people, and that's why they see me as the best choice."
The former deputy Chief Minister repeatedly said that Nitish Kumar is in an 'unconscious state' politically and claimed that others around him are taking advantage. 'Officers and leaders close to him are busy giving posts and benefits to their own family members,' Tejashwi said, alleging nepotism in state administration.He accused the government of giving positions to relatives of ministers and top officers, adding that there should be a 'Jamai Commission' (for sons-in-law), 'Jija Commission' (for brothers-in-law), and 'Mehraru Commission' (for wives), mocking what he called open nepotism in the state.advertisementThe RJD leader cited examples of several leaders, including Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose son's brother-in-law is in a government body; Chirag Paswan, whose brother-in-law has been given a post; and the wife of the Chief Minister's principal secretary, who is in the Bihar Women's Commission.He further said that two daughters of Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Sanjay Jha were made Advocates-on-Record for the state in the Supreme Court without proper experience.Tejashwi Yadav further alleged that Ashok Chaudhary's son-in-law was appointed to the Bihar State Religious Trust Council, allegedly from the 'RSS quota.' 'If he was so capable, why was he not chosen before he became Ashok Chaudhary's son-in-law?' he questioned.Addressing a recent controversy sparked by BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary criticising Lalu Yadav for cutting a cake with a sword, Tejashwi questioned, 'What's the difference between a knife and a sword? Don't Samrat Chaudhary's children use a knife to cut a cake? Or do they swallow it whole?'Tejashwi further defended his father against claims that he insulted Dr B R Ambedkar by allegeldy placing his feet near a photo of the Dalit icon. He said the photo controversy was falsely concocted and that Lalu Prasad had installed more Ambedkar statues in Bihar than anyone else.advertisement'Due to health reasons, Laluji was told not to touch anything after his surgery. That's why he didn't touch the photo.'Tejashwni went on to criticise the delay in the national caste census and accused the BJP of spreading lies on the matter. 'If the notification has already come, why is the process not starting?' he asked.The RJD leader also voiced his support for higher reservations and said that the reservation system should be expanded to include private institutions.Further, in a veiled challenge to Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, Tejashwi said he should speak up if he wants to be Chief Minister. 'He should not hide it in his heart. He should say it openly,' Tejashwi said.'No one is stopping him from contesting. If Chirag wants to contest elections in Bihar, he should do so openly and not suppress his desire. He should say in his wish that he wants to become CM.'Bihar is set to hold Assembly Elections this year, likely before the Chhath and Diwali festivals. The polls are likely to be held in 2-3 phases. The poll dates will be finalised after the Chief Election Commissioner's visit to the state this month.Must Watch
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