As leader of opposition, Tejashwi Yadav was one of Nitish Kumar’s most aggressive baiters
Patna:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, after swapping allies and forming a new government with the RJD, has dropped hints that he has long-term plans for his deputy Tejashwi Yadav.
Nitish Kumar’s comments on Tejashwi Yadav at an event they both attended yesterday have provoked speculation that he sees the RJD leader, not long ago his fierce critic, as his political successor.
“We are doing a lot. And if there’s anything left to do in the future, then Tejashwi will keep working and will get it all done. Those who want to divide us, don’t try to create trouble at anyone’s bidding. We must stay united and work together. There should be no friction,” the Chief Minister said on Monday, at the launch of a dental college in Nalanda.
Tejashwi Yadav, who was on stage, figured twice in the speech.
“Tejashwi is here, I have done whatever I could to take him forward, I will take him even further ahead. You all can see and understand everything. All our officials are working well. Listen to what I am saying. This is not my personal view. Whatever we are doing, we are following the path of Gandhi,” he said.
Many read between the lines to interpret the comments as Nitish Kumar’s way of declaring Tejashwi Yadav as his heir apparent.
As leader of opposition, Tejashwi Yadav was one of Nitish Kumar’s most aggressive baiters, frequently deriding him as a “tired and spent” leader who needs to retire. The bitterness dated back to 2017, when Nitish Kumar dropped Tejashwi Yadav as his deputy, dumped the RJD and revived his alliance with the BJP.
That changed dramatically in August, when Nitish Kumar dumped the BJP and formed a new government with the RJD and other opposition parties, making Tejashwi Yadav his deputy for the second time.
Last month, Tejashwi Yadav called himself “the luckiest person” and weaved in a compliment for his boss.
“Who could be a luckier person than me? My mother and father have been Chief Ministers and leaders of opposition. I have been Deputy Chief Minister twice, leader of opposition once, and have the opportunity to work under the leadership of the most experienced Chief Minister. Who can be luckier than I?” he said.
