Political rhetoric has intensified in Bihar, with leaders from the NDA and the 'India' alliance engaging in sharp attacks ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Patna: The political climate in Bihar is currently charged with heated rhetoric, as leaders from the NDA and the 'India' alliance exchange pointed criticisms regarding the upcoming assembly elections. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha targeted Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, using the word 'vyakul' (restless/anxious), a term previously made infamous by Samrat Chaudhary.
How did the 'Vyakul' controversy begin?
In 2021, while serving as Panchayati Raj Minister, Samrat Chaudhary angered then-Assembly Speaker Vijay Sinha by telling him not to be "too vyakul". The ensuing controversy escalated to the point of requiring intervention from the BJP's top leadership. Now, Sinha has employed the same term in a counterattack against Tejashwi Yadav.
Tejashwi Yadav recently criticized the government over the state of Bihar's healthcare services and government-run kitchens. In response, Vijay Sinha stated, "Tejashwi Yadav is vyakul to regain power, but the people will not allow the return of Jungle Raj." He further claimed that under the RJD-Congress regime, Bihar became a haven for kidnapping, looting, and anarchy, and attempts are being made to revive that era.
Tejashwi's Counterattack
Tejashwi Yadav, on social media, highlighted issues related to women in the state, writing, "The public will decide who respects women and who insults them in the Assembly and in Bihar." He also expressed support for the ongoing protest by cooks working in government schools, promising to increase their salaries, and provide insurance and healthcare benefits if his party comes to power.
The exchange of accusations between the NDA and the 'India' alliance continues relentlessly in the run-up to the Bihar assembly elections this year. While the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is fully prepared, the opposition has yet to finalize its leader. Consequently, the word 'vyakul' has become a focal point of political debate, used by both sides to attack each other.
Political analysts believe that such rhetoric will intensify as the elections draw closer. It remains to be seen whose 'vyakul' will be vindicated by the electorate.
