Bihar is on the cusp of a major political contest, as the Grand Alliance has declared Tejashwi Yadav, aged 36, as its candidate for Chief Minister. This strategic nomination aims to disrupt Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long governance and offer a new direction for the state. The alliance is making a calculated move to energize its core Muslim-Yadav constituency and present a stark contrast to the current leadership.
The strategy leverages Tejashwi’s youthful appeal, targeting Bihar’s vast demographic of young voters, including a significant number of first-time electors. His campaign narrative is expected to heavily feature job creation and development, themes that resonate with this demographic. The alliance is also focused on consolidating its traditional support, aiming to prevent further erosion towards newer political forces.
However, the decision to front a Yadav leader could create tensions with other backward castes, whose support is vital. The RJD’s candidate list has been criticized for its Yadav-centric composition, a point being exploited by the NDA. Additionally, political opponents are actively recalling the ‘Jungle Raj’ era, seeking to link Tejashwi to the controversial legacy of his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. The protracted negotiations and internal squabbles within the Grand Alliance have delayed their campaign, potentially giving the NDA a significant advantage in the crucial early stages of the electioneering.
