Nitish Kumar statement about Tejashwi Yadav: In what could be seen as Nitish Kumar's clear indication about what Nitish Kumar's future plans are, the Bihar chief minister dropped a big hint about his deputy Tejashwi Yadav's role. Speaking during a meeting with MLAs and MLCs of Mahagathbandhan in Patna on Tuesday, Nitish Kumar dropped short of announcing Tejashwi as the CM face for 2025 assembly elections.
The chief minister has, in recent times, given rise to speculations that in the event of moving to Delhi for dabbling in national politics, he might pass on the mantle to Yadav, the son of RJD president Lalu Prasad, who was once his arch-rival.
Kumar who was pitted as PM-face for 2024 by his party, JD (U) also said that he no longer aspires to be Bihar CM or Prime Minister. However, eradicating BJP still remains his mission.
During the meeting of MLAs, Nitish Kumar said, “Neither am I a Prime Ministerial candidate, nor am I a Chief Ministerial candidate. My goal is to defeat the BJP.” He repeated that “Tejashwi has to be encouraged”. He also said "we are of the view that it will benefit the grand alliance which is fighting the communal forces represented by the BJP. Tejashwi ji is a young and energetic leader".
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"Right now we are working together, under Nitish Kumar's guidance. Challenge is the 2024 elections and we will fight for that," deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said.
Ironically, both the leaders didn't use to see eye-to-eye and were a fierce critics of one another. To an extent that Tejashwi Yadav had called Nitish 'tired and spent' leader who needs to retire. The bitterness back to 2017, when Nitish Kumar dropped Tejashwi Yadav as his deputy, dumped the RJD and revived his alliance with the BJP. However, everything changed in August when both decided that 'let bygones should be bygones and choose a mutual enemy- the BJP.
