Tejashwi Yadav: Symbol of Change or Political Compulsion?

As the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections draw closer, the vibrant hues of electoral politics are becoming increasingly visible. Finally, the much-awaited announcement in Bihar’s political landscape has been made — Tejashwi Yadav has been declared the chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). This decision aptly reflects the saying, “Better late than never.” For long, speculation had persisted over whether the Congress would openly accept Tejashwi’s leadership. Ultimately, it did — but this endorsement appears to be more of a reluctant necessity than an enthusiastic affirmation of unity within the alliance. The announcement was made by Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who also declared Mukesh Sahani, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), as a deputy chief ministerial candidate. Gehlot’s announcement underscored Congress’s weakened position in Bihar. Its hesitation in naming the chief ministerial face revealed its continued struggle to grasp the essence of coalition politics — a reflection of Rahul Gandhi’s inconsistent and often immature political strategy. Perhaps the Congress was harbouring hopes that, if the Mahagathbandhan won, someone other than Tejashwi might emerge as chief minister. Yet, it must not forget that its very relevance in Bihar hinges upon its alliance with the RJD. The same dependency characterises its position in several other states as well. Until Congress regains the capacity to contest elections on its own strength, it should refrain from exerting undue pressure on regional allies. With neither a strong leadership face nor a loyal voter base, Congress’s recent electoral performance has been persistently disappointing.

In this scenario, it had little choice but to play the role of a supporting partner rather than a leading one. Under Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD has emerged as the strongest opposition force in Bihar today. As Nitish Kumar’s influence steadily declines, Tejashwi seems capable of filling that political void. Over the past few years, he has matured considerably as a leader, shaping his political narrative around issues like employment, development, and dignity. His language reflects the frustrations of the youth, the anguish of unemployment, and the yearning for opportunity. Increasingly, Bihar’s young voters are moving beyond caste politics, demanding jobs and a better quality of life — and Tejashwi has cleverly turned these demands into his political strength. The evolution in his tone and persona suggests that he is no longer merely “Lalu’s son,” but a political brand in his own right. His appeal now stems not from inheritance, but from his connection to the aspirations of a new Bihar.

The NDA, on the other hand, had already revealed its cards through its seat-sharing arrangements but refrained from projecting a chief ministerial candidate. This marks a major shift, as Nitish Kumar had been the alliance’s undisputed face for nearly two decades. By declaring Tejashwi as its chief ministerial candidate, the Mahagathbandhan has attempted to put pressure on the NDA. Both sides have entered a competitive phase of promises and populism. While the Nitish government has made several announcements, Tejashwi too has pledged numerous welfare measures to the people. The Mahagathbandhan’s manifesto, expected soon, is likely to feature ambitious promises. The ultimate question remains — which set of promises will the people of Bihar believe, and who will lead the state after the elections?

Despite the BJP’s continued emphasis on development politics under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, its strategy in Bihar still hinges on regional alliances rather than solo performance. Nitish Kumar, once celebrated as “Sushasan Babu,” now appears fatigued and politically unreliable. His frequent alliance shifts, opportunism, and administrative stagnation have severely dented his credibility. The people of Bihar are yearning for change — though the form this change will take remains uncertain. If this transition occurs under Tejashwi’s leadership, it would represent not just a change in government but a generational shift in Bihar’s politics. Yet, while consensus around Tejashwi’s candidature is a positive sign, it doesn’t guarantee cohesion within the alliance. Disagreements over seat-sharing between the Congress and the Left parties could still resurface. Bihar’s electorate remains deeply influenced by caste dynamics, an area where the BJP-JDU alliance retains a significant advantage. Moreover, Tejashwi must continue to work on refining his image and developing new models of public outreach. He is still not entirely free from the shadow of allegations surrounding corruption, dynastic politics, and instability. If he relies too heavily on emotional appeals rather than policy substance, public trust could easily waver.

Tejashwi Yadav’s emergence as the face of Bihar’s opposition signifies not only a political but also a socio-cultural shift. His candidature marks a transition in the state’s political discourse — from caste and legacy to youth aspirations, economic opportunity, and equality. Congress’s acceptance of his leadership is not merely a political adjustment but an acknowledgment that Bihar’s future now lies in the hands of a new generation. Tejashwi’s rise is not just a personal achievement but an echo of changing times. The people of Bihar, disillusioned with stagnant governance and hollow promises, now seek leadership that embodies both empathy and action. Although Congress may have reached this decision belatedly, if the Mahagathbandhan can transform this announcement into a unified electoral strategy, it could herald a new chapter in Bihar’s politics — one where “better late than never” becomes not just a saying but a political reality.

The simultaneous projection of Mukesh Sahani as deputy chief minister also reflects his rising prominence, though his party is contesting only 15 seats — far fewer than the Congress, which is contesting over four times that number. Even though Gehlot clarified that additional deputy chief ministers might be appointed, the message remains clear: Congress’s political clout in Bihar has shrunk to a point where even smaller allies appear stronger. While this announcement may benefit the Mahagathbandhan, particularly the RJD, it would be premature to assume that harmony now prevails within the coalition. Over ten Mahagathbandhan candidates are contesting against one another, revealing cracks beneath the surface.

The alliance’s internal politics, both before and after the election results, is bound to remain complex and multi-layered. Even if the Mahagathbandhan secures victory, questions about alternate chief ministerial contenders could still linger. For now, however, Tejashwi’s elevation marks an important symbolic victory — one that projects unity and youthful dynamism across Bihar. Whether this unity endures or disintegrates in the heat of post-election politics will determine if this moment of reluctant consensus can indeed reshape the future of Bihar.