Tejashwi Yadav urges Bihar's youth to give him 20 months to transform the State
Addressing the 'Chatra Yuva Sansad' organised by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) at Patna's Bapu Sabhagar, Mr. Yadav made a series of promises to young voters during his hour-long speech.
He announced that, if elected, his government would establish a Youth Commission, make forms for competitive examinations free of cost, provide home tutors to academically weaker students, and ensure free transportation to examination centres.
'You gave 20 years to Nitish Kumar, just give me 20 months. The work that was not done in 20 years, I will do it in 20 months,' Mr. Yadav said, addressing a sizeable gathering of student and youth representatives from across the State. He asserted that Bihar's youth would soon change the politics of the State by dislodging the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
Pens were distributed to 10,000 participants, with Mr. Yadav emphasising their symbolic significance. 'Their job is not only to change the government but also to change Bihar,' he said.
The former Deputy Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to building a new Bihar, citing achievements during his 17-month tenure in the previous government. 'Four and a half lakh employed teachers were given the status of State employees. More than 700 doctors who were absent from duty were sacked,' he said.
Criticising the NDA government, Mr. Yadav alleged it was in 'hibernation' and claimed the Chief Minister was 'unconscious.' Referring to the caste-based survey and the reservation ceiling raised to 65%, he said, 'The double engine government did not get it included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, and as a result, the deprived classes are not getting the benefit of increased reservation.'
He also announced that his government would establish a world-class university and an education city, promising that no form fees would be charged from aspirants and that travel expenses to examination centres would be borne by the State.
Taking note of dropout rates and academic delays, Mr. Yadav said, 'Teachers will go to the homes of students who are weak in science, mathematics and English and give them extra time. We will improve the system in such a way that students from Bihar's universities will once again reach high positions — a process that has been stalled for 20 years.'
He added, 'When we come to power, we will never say, 'Was there anything in Bihar before 2025?' Rather, we will take this State to new heights in five years.'
Joined by RJD MPs Misa Bharti and Sanjay Yadav, Mr. Yadav described the youth as his 'strength, pride, and accumulated earnings.'
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) dismissed Mr. Yadav's statements as pre-poll rhetoric. 'Tejashwi Yadav is repeatedly making failed attempts to bind the youth in chains of hollow promises. These are not policies, but merely political gimmicks crafted for the election,' said BJP media head Danish Iqbal.
JD(U) State spokesperson Manish Yadav termed the speech 'ironic' and a 'mockery of the aspirations of the youth,' citing Mr. Yadav's own academic record, stating he had 'only passed the 9th standard.'
Meanwhile, the programme concluded on a chaotic note, as overcrowding led to a stampede-like situation. Several participants fell while exiting the venue, causing damage to the auditorium's glass structure and leaving a few individuals injured.
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