In a blistering critique, RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of squandering a staggering ₹2.25 billion over just 15 days on promoting his image while the state grapples with severe governance issues. Yadav released a press statement on Tuesday, lambasting Kumar for what he termed as "wasteful spending" of public funds amid rampant unemployment, inflation, and corruption in the state.
Highlighting the alleged misuse of taxpayer money, Yadav claimed that the Bihar government is prioritizing propaganda over addressing the pressing needs of its citizens. "For 20 years, Bihar has been thrown into the flames of wild unemployment, mass exodus, murderous inflation, rampant crime, and institutional corruption by Nitish Kumar’s wasteful spending spree," Yadav asserted.
The RJD leader questioned the state’s priorities, alleging that students and women are being denied basic facilities while funds are being diverted for self-promotion. "There is nothing on the ground for students and women, but billions of rupees are being looted by officials for propaganda," he said.
Yadav also criticized the government’s claims of progress, particularly the implementation of smart meters, as an attempt to mask administrative failures. He pointed to various issues, including widespread corruption, crumbling infrastructure, rising crime, unemployment, and the failure of the state's prohibition policy.
"The pain of livelihoods, hundreds of bridges destroyed due to corruption, uncontrolled crime, unbridled inflation, record-breaking unemployment, administrative chaos, and injustice cannot be concealed," he stated.
Tejashwi accused the government of indulging in what he described as an "election picnic" while the state's citizens suffer. "Nitish Kumar is spending ₹2.25 billion on dialogue around 'zero issues' instead of addressing the real problems plaguing the state," Yadav remarked, adding that the move reflects misplaced priorities and disregard for the welfare of the people.
The accusations come amid growing criticism of the Bihar government’s policies, with the opposition intensifying its attacks over governance and financial transparency. As the debate heats up, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar’s administration to respond to the allegations.