Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor has launched a sharp criticism of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's claims that Bihar is falling behind in key development areas despite being governed by a "double-engine" government. Yadav had recently accused the BJP of being more interested in power than addressing the public's needs and pointed out Bihar's high rankings in unemployment, poverty, inflation, corruption, and crime.
Yadav also described Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a "tired chief minister."
"Bihar ranks number one in unemployment, poverty, inflation, and corruption... It also tops the list in crime rates. Despite having the same party in power at both the state and central levels, nothing has improved. The BJP is solely focused on power and is indifferent to the needs of the people," he had said.
His remarks came after Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Singh accused Yadav of staying silent on attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, labeling it as "appeasement politics".
Responding to his comments, Kishor, who now leads Jan Suraaj and was once an election strategist for several political parties, dismissed Yadav's comments on Bihar's development as "laughable." He argued that Yadav and his party have been in power for 15 years and questioned Yadav's understanding of GDP and economic growth. Kishor also ridiculed Yadav's changing views on Bihar's condition, suggesting that Yadav's perspective shifts depending on political alliances.
"I might comment if Tejashwi Yadav spoke about issues like caste, extortion, the liquor mafia, or crime... but when he talks about the development model, it's laughable. His party has been in power for the last 15 years. He doesn't even understand what GDP and GDP growth are, yet he's talking about Bihar's development story," remarked Kishor.
He further stated, "As far as crime is concerned, when Tejashwi Yadav was the Deputy Chief Minister six months ago, Bihar was like Switzerland for him, but now, six months later, it has become a gutter... If Nitish Kumar joins the Mahagathbandhan today, Bihar will suddenly start looking great to him again".
His party, Jan Suraaj, is preparing to contest the 2025 Bihar assembly election. Kishor, who previously worked with Nitish Kumar, had earlier referred to the Bihar Chief Minister as a "paltumaar" (someone who frequently changes sides) and criticised his political inconsistencies. Political experts speculate that Jan Suraaj may support specific candidates in the upcoming Bihar election.
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