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Why is Tejashwi Yadav absent from Bihar Assembly sessions and how are political rivals JDU and NDA criticizing him, sparking debates on accountability, governance and opposition roles in the state legislature?
Tejashwi Yadav skips Bihar assembly for Europe tour.
Patna: The final day of the Bihar Assembly winter session on Friday witnessed heightened political tension as Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav was absent from the house. His absence became a focal point for ruling party leaders who questioned his commitment to state governance. Reports suggest that Tejashwi was on a Europe tour with his wife and children, raising eyebrows amid the ongoing legislative discussions and budget deliberations.
JDU MLA Dularchand Goswami took a sharp dig at Yadav’s absence, stating, "Whether he goes abroad or to the Bay of Bengal, it makes no difference." Goswami further asserted that the opposition leaders have no genuine concern for Bihar’s public welfare, claiming, "Bihar’s people have already taught them a lesson."
On objections raised by the RJD regarding the supplementary budget, Goswami added that the Bihar government has prepared the budget based on state resources, with full support from the central government, and it will be implemented efficiently.
Earlier, other JDU leaders including MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar had criticized Tejashwi, noting the irony of him going on a tour while his father is reportedly unwell. Several party figures have used this as a political tool to highlight what they consider a lack of focus on state responsibilities.
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In response, RJD legislators defended their leader, highlighting that the absence of the Leader of Opposition does not undermine their role in holding the government accountable. RJD MLA Ranvijay Sahu emphasized that while Yadav was absent, alliance legislators were actively present in the assembly, presenting arguments and scrutinizing government policies.
Alok Mehta, another RJD lawmaker, explained that members may occasionally be absent for personal reasons and that focusing on these absences is an attempt by the ruling party to divert attention from substantive governance issues. "This is not a breach of rules. The government has no real issues to raise, and we are addressing each topic with detailed arguments," he stated.
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Tejashwi Yadav’s Europe tour has become a flashpoint in Bihar politics, particularly because it coincided with critical legislative proceedings. Critics argue that the absence of a key opposition leader during the winter session undermines legislative accountability. Supporters contend that personal commitments are a reasonable exception and do not reduce the opposition’s effectiveness, as alliance legislators remain engaged.
The ongoing exchange of criticisms between the ruling JDU and RJD underscores the intense political dynamics in Bihar. While JDU continues to question Yadav’s priorities and commitment, RJD maintains that legislative scrutiny and opposition responsibilities are being fulfilled by the alliance.
Tejashwi Yadav’s absence from the assembly session and the subsequent political backlash highlights the balancing act between personal commitments and public responsibilities for political leaders. The episode has sparked widespread debate over accountability, legislative decorum, and the nature of opposition in Bihar’s political landscape.