Posters Spark Controversy in Patna as RJD and LJP Rivalry Intensifies

PATNA: A controversial poster near the residence of RJD leader Rabri Devi in Patna has ignited political tensions, labeling her son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as the “real (shudh desi) Bihari” while branding LJP(RV) chief and Union minister Chirag Paswan as an “outsider”. The poster, created by a woman RJD functionary, has sparked a fierce rivalry between the RJD and LJP(RV) in the state.

The poster appeared just a day after a rare, cordial meeting between Tejashwi and Chirag at the home of Manish Kumar of Pandey Gangot in Nawada district, who was martyred in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir. During the meeting, the two young leaders hugged and exchanged pleasantries, highlighting a brief moment of unity amid political rivalry.

The poster also mocked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Samrat Choudhary, depicting them placing a crown on Chirag’s head. The caption read: “Mungerilal ke haseen sapne” (Mungerilal’s pleasant dreams), a reference to the former CM’s political legacy. The poster also highlighted the number of assembly seats JD(U) won in 2015 (72) and 2020 (43), suggesting a declining trend in the party’s fortunes.

As Tejashwi is the declared CM candidate for the RJD and the face of the Mahagathbandhan, the party appears reluctant to accept any emerging young leader as a challenger within Bihar. The poster seems to be a response to Chirag’s recent meeting with Nitish and the remarks of LJP(RV) MP Arun Bharti, who wrote on X: “Toofano se ladkar hamne Bihar sawara hai, ab tumhare hathon mein bhavishya hamara hai” (We shaped Bihar by fighting storms; now our future lies in your hands).

Political analysts interpret the poster war as an indication of the changing dynamics in Bihar’s political arena with young leaders such as Tejashwi, Chirag, Jan Suraaj Party’s Prashant Kishor and BJP’s Samrat Choudhary emerging as key players. Chirag, who consistently says that he is in politics for the welfare of Bihar and its people, has been projected by his party as a future chief ministerial candidate. However, after his meeting with Nitish on Tuesday, he said, “There is no vacancy for the top post in Bihar and the JD(U) supremo will remain the NDA CM face in the assembly election later this year.”