Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav Launches ‘Jan Vishwas Yatra’, Trains Guns At CM Nitish And BJP In Rallies

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav initiated the ‘Jan Vishwas Yatra’ on Tuesday, directing his criticism towards Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of leading the state “without any vision” and frequently changing alliance partners without valid reasons. Yadav introduced a new acronym, ‘BAAP’, noting that the RJD prioritises all Bahujans, Agda (upper castes), Aadhi Aabadi (women), and the poor, extending beyond just Muslims and Yadavs.

Addressing consecutive rallies in Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar on the first day of the yatra, which is scheduled to conclude on March 1, Yadav expressed his intent to cover all 38 districts of the state, seeking what he termed “political insurance” for himself.

“Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has grown old, not just in terms of age but also his mindset. We made him work on our promise of 10 lakh jobs, and we were halfway through when he ditched us,” said the former deputy CM, who lost his position due to the latest political shift by the JD(U) president, as reported by news agency PTI.

“Kumar is ruling Bihar without any vision, switching sides without reason. This approach won’t work for the state. I have come to you seeking political insurance. Help me form a government for five years, and I will turn the state around. Ours is a land of young people, and it needs young leadership,” the 34-year-old leader conveyed to enthusiastic crowds.

He clarified, “We keep hearing the charge that RJD is the party of MY (Muslims and Yadavs). Let me make it clear that we are also the party of BAAP,” evoking cheers and laughter as he explained the full form. Notably, ‘MY’ is pronounced as “maai,” the Hindi word for mother, while ‘BAAP’ stands for father.

The BJP seized the opportunity for a humorous response. According to PTI, BJP spokesman Manoj Kumar Sharma released a statement, suggesting, “Even if inadvertently, Tejashwi Yadav has admitted that RJD is the party of ‘maai-baap’,” alluding to Yadav’s parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, who hold leadership positions in the party.

However, Yadav added, “There is nothing that I seek for myself. My parents have both been chief ministers. I have been deputy CM twice and leader of the opposition as many times. I have enough for myself. All I want to do is for you, the common man,” as reported by PTI.

Accusing the saffron party of avoiding issues like poverty and unemployment by engaging in Hindu versus Muslim rhetoric, the RJD leader, part of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, emphasized his commitment to the common man during the mass outreach programme.

In an interview with PTI, Yadav claimed, “The Supreme Court judgment on Chandigarh mayoral polls has exposed manipulation of election results in connivance with officials.” He alleged similar incidents in Bihar after the 2020 assembly polls, stating that counting of votes was suspended, and when it resumed, candidates from his party were shown as having lost by narrow margins.

Despite a stage collapse at Sitamarhi, Yadav remained undeterred, addressing the crowds from the rooftop of his bus, wearing a turban wrapped around his head.