Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Chirag Paswan of Compromising Values for Political Power in Bihar

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a strong critique against Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Saturday, accusing him of harboring a "greed for power."

Yadav, who serves as the opposition Mahagathbandhan's candidate for chief minister, was responding to Paswan's allegation that his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, had pushed for a Muslim chief minister in Bihar back in 2005, but faced rejection from the RJD.

"It doesn't matter what he says or doesn't say. What's his vision?" Yadav remarked when questioned about Paswan's comments.

The RJD leader further suggested that Paswan is experiencing discomfort within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"NDA people had set fire to Chirag's family," Yadav stated, referencing the conflict between Paswan and his estranged uncle, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras, following Ram Vilas Paswan's death.

"Chirag is with NDA in greed for power. Chirag compromises for power. That is why his statements are not considered important," Yadav asserted.

Yadav also highlighted Bihar's economic challenges, noting, "Bihar is the poorest state in India, with the lowest per capita income. People still have to migrate for education, healthcare, and employment. There are no factories or investments in the state."

His comments came after Paswan criticized the RJD, claiming the party refuses to nominate either a Muslim chief minister or deputy chief minister for Bihar, which is scheduled for elections next month.

"In 2005, my leader, my father, late Ram Vilas Paswan ji, even sacrificed his own party to make a Muslim chief minister - yet even then, you did not support him," Paswan posted on X, apparently addressing the minority community.

"RJD was not ready for a Muslim chief minister even in 2005. And today in 2025, it is neither ready to give a Muslim chief minister nor a deputy chief minister (to Bihar)," the Union Minister added.

"If you remain a bonded vote bank, how will you get respect and participation?" he questioned.

The 2005 Bihar Assembly elections were conducted twice for the 243-member house after the February polls resulted in a hung assembly.

The NDA, comprising Janata Dal (United) and BJP, won 92 seats, while the RJD secured 75 seats, LJP 29 seats, and Congress 10 seats.

The RJD failed to form a coalition government with Congress and LJP because Paswan insisted his party would support only if a Muslim was appointed as the state's chief minister.

With no government formation possible, fresh elections were held in October-November that year, resulting in an NDA majority and subsequent government formation.