Record Voter Turnout in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav Claims People Voting for Development and Change

NDTV Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal with Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav

In an exclusive interview with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal in Bihar's Purnia, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav declared that the record-breaking voter turnout in the first phase of Bihar's assembly election reflects citizens' overwhelming desire for change.

The first phase of voting on Thursday saw nearly 65 percent voter participation across 121 constituencies, marking the highest turnout in the state's electoral history.

"The feedback I've received from everywhere has been positive. People want change and voted accordingly. They desire a corruption-free Bihar that becomes a center for IT, textiles, food processing, and agro-based industry," Yadav explained to NDTV.

"Bihar has tremendous potential. When Biharis decide enough is enough and commit to action, they follow through," he added confidently.

When questioned about perceptions among women voters regarding the return of "gunda raj" if RJD regained power, Yadav firmly rejected such narratives.

"The BJP is attempting to push this narrative, but citizens aren't accepting it. They constantly reference events from 30-35 years ago while ignoring current issues," Yadav countered.

He criticized another narrative suggesting Bihar ranks among the top two states in crime according to the National Crime Records Bureau, while development-leading states are all BJP-governed.

"Such tactics won't succeed. People have seen through the BJP's propaganda. They're focused on their future now," Yadav told NDTV.

When asked what makes this iteration of RJD different and potentially more formidable, Yadav pointed to the party's accomplishments during their 17-month governance period as part of the Mahagathbandhan under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United). This coalition government dissolved in January 2024 when JD(U) rejoined the National Democratic Alliance.

"What I accomplished in those 17 months represents merely 5 percent of my capabilities, yet that included providing employment to five lakh people and establishing tourism policies. Meanwhile, the current chief minister can't even attract investors," Yadav stated.

Regarding concerns about Nitish Kumar's health, Yadav declined to comment, saying, "I don't engage in that kind of politics. I'm progressive and prefer discussing my own vision."

When presented with rumors that BJP might approach RJD for coalition if they decide against keeping Nitish Kumar in leadership, Yadav deflected with a pointed remark about Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "BJP members claim Amit Shah wants to become prime minister. They make all sorts of assertions."

Key constituencies in the first phase included Tejashwi Yadav's own Raghopur, Mahua (where his brother Tej Pratap Yadav is contesting with a new political entity), and Tarapur, where Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is running.

The election was marred by violence when gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav, associated with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, was allegedly killed during a confrontation with supporters of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh from Mokama.

Historical voter turnout figures show a clear upward trend: 57.29 percent in the 2020 pandemic-time election, 56.91 percent in 2015, and 52.73 percent in 2010.

The remaining 122 constituencies will vote on November 11, with results scheduled for announcement on November 14.