Tejashwi Yadav has publicly declared himself the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial face for the upcoming Bihar assembly polls at a rally in Arrah, making the announcement in the presence of Rahul Gandhi and drawing open backing from Akhilesh Yadav. The move sharpened his attack on CM Nitish Kumar, whom he labeled a “copycat CM,” while pitching himself as the “original” alternative ahead of elections expected in October–November.
What happened
At the final leg of Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Arrah, Tejashwi turned a charged crowd interaction into a political line-in-the-sand, asking whether Bihar wanted an “original” or a “duplicate” chief minister before proclaiming himself the INDIA bloc’s CM contender. Rahul Gandhi, who has so far sidestepped naming a face, was on stage as Tejashwi framed the contest around leadership authenticity and policy ownership.
The sharp message
Tejashwi intensified his critique of Nitish Kumar, calling him a “copycat CM” and alleging the government is merely following his policy cues—“Tejashwi is moving ahead, the government is following behind,” he told supporters, drawing loud cheers. The rhetoric anchors his bid on originality, governance momentum, and a contrast with the incumbent’s style.
Akhilesh’s endorsement
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav joined the yatra and offered full-throated support, arguing there is no better face for the alliance in Bihar and pledging cooperation “with all our experience.” He praised Tejashwi’s previous stint as deputy CM, highlighting job creation and promising that youth employment would again be prioritized if the alliance forms government.
Rahul Gandhi’s silence
Rahul Gandhi’s presence gave the moment political heft, even as he maintained silence on the CM-face question—a posture he has kept in recent days despite growing speculation and internal seat-sharing talks within the alliance. The tableau underscored the RJD’s primacy in Bihar while leaving Congress room on coalition negotiations.
What’s next
With polls due in October–November and dates yet to be announced, the INDIA bloc enters the campaign’s decisive phase balancing messaging unity with ongoing coordination and seat-sharing deliberations. Tejashwi’s self-declaration signals confidence and seeks to set the narrative early, while allies calibrate around roles, tickets, and voter mobilization strategy.
