BJP NOW FORCED TO TALK ABOUT JOBS
THE WEEK India|May 26, 2024
Tejashwi Yadav had a short stint as deputy chief minister; Nitish Kumar changed course once again this January to return to the NDA, which dismantled the RJD-JD(U)left-Congress government.
PRATUL SHARMA
BJP NOW FORCED TO TALK ABOUT JOBS

INTERVIEW

TEJASHWI YADAV, LEADER OF OPPOSITION, BIHAR

Yet, the 34-year-old remained composed, consistently punctuating his criticism of Kumar with civility. He has kept his focus on the five lakh jobs he claims to have created during his 17 months in power, and has emerged as the sole star campaigner for the INDIA bloc.

However, those 100-plus rallies and helicopter rides across the state came at a cost; he injured his back. Now in a wheelchair, and needing help to stand, Tejashwi met THE WEEK at his home on 10 Circular Road, Patna, which was allocated to his mother, former chief minister Rabri Devi. As he got ready for the interview, he told his father, Lalu Prasad, who was nearby, about the severity of his pain, and told him he had injured his back twice.

Tejashwi discussed his campaign, highlighted key issues and expressed confidence in the election results. Excerpts:

Q/ You said the results would be surprising. How are these elections different from the 2019 edition?

A/ People have given 10 years to Narendra Modi ji. Whatever they (the BJP) promised 10 years ago, nothing has been delivered. He does not talk about the real issues. He only talks about issues that can divide society. He talks about Hindu-Muslim, mandir-masjid, mangalsutra, and issues that do not make sense. He should say what he has done in the past 10 years. Especially what he has done for Bihar. The state gave them 39 of 40 MPs. He did not give special status to Bihar or a special package. He did not open one sugar mill. He did not stop migration. They have only fleeced the people, who are now tired of the talk.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEK INDIAView all
What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?
THE WEEK India

What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?

IT IS ASKED, year after year, why Delhi’s air remains unbreathable despite several interventions to reduce pollution.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Trump and the crisis of liberalism
THE WEEK India

Trump and the crisis of liberalism

Although Donald Trump's election to a non-consecutive second term to the US presidency is not unprecedented—Grover Cleveland had done it in 1893—it is nevertheless a watershed moment.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Men eye the woman's purse
THE WEEK India

Men eye the woman's purse

A couple of months ago, I chanced upon a young 20-something man at my gym walking out with a women’s sling bag.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
When trees hold hands
THE WEEK India

When trees hold hands

A filmmaker explores the human-nature connect through the living root bridges

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Ms Gee & Gen Z
THE WEEK India

Ms Gee & Gen Z

The vibrant Anuja Chauhan and her daughter Nayantara on the generational gap in romance writing

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Vikram Seth-a suitable man
THE WEEK India

Vikram Seth-a suitable man

Our golden boy of literature was the star attraction at the recent Shillong Literary Festival in mysterious Meghalaya.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Superman bites the dust
THE WEEK India

Superman bites the dust

When my granddaughter Kim was about three, I often took her to play in a nearby park.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
OLD MAN AND THE SEA
THE WEEK India

OLD MAN AND THE SEA

Meet G. Govinda Menon, the 102-year-old engineer who had a key role in surveying the Vizhinjam coast in the 1940s, assessing its potential for an international port

time-read
4 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets
THE WEEK India

Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets

THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET has delivered a strong 11 per cent CAGR over the past decade, with positive returns for eight straight years.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay
THE WEEK India

Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay

AFTER A ROARING bull market over the past year, equity markets in the recent months have gone into a correction mode as FIIs go on a selling spree. Volatility has risen and investment returns are hurt.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024