Tejashwi Yadav slams Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu over new ‘torture bills’

Patna: Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the three new bills enabling the removal of elected representatives arrested on serious criminal charges and held without bail for more than 30 days, dubbing them “torture bills”.

He also accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu of engaging in “blackmail politics” and prioritizing personal power over national interest.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Sheikhpura, Sikandra, Jamui and Munger as part of his ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra, Tejashwi said the campaign was receiving overwhelming public support. “The truth of the BJP and the Election Commission is being exposed to the people through this yatra. The faith of the common people is returning to democracy again. They will teach the BJP a lesson in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections with their votes,” he asserted.

Targeting the JD(U) leader, he said: “People like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu do not want the country to progress. They are only doing politics of power and selfishness. They know how to blackmail, and are working to spoil the country.”

Dismissing the possibility of Nitish Kumar continuing as chief minister, he added: “There is no question of Nitish Kumar becoming the CM again. The people of Bihar have made up their minds to send him away. Everyone is witnessing the state’s condition in terms of crime, migration, education and law and order.”

Commenting on Nitish Kumar’s recent participation in a minority dialogue after a long gap, Tejashwi said: “The public has now understood everything. No matter how much he communicates or makes announcements, it is of no use. The people have decided, and change is now certain.”

The Voter Adhikar Yatra resumed on Thursday from Sheikhpura after a day’s break. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also set to join the campaign from Sheikhpura.