BJP NOW FORCED TO TALK ABOUT JOBS

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

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.