Pappu Yadav Accuses Tejashwi Yadav of Exclusion from Bihar Bandh Protest

Pappu Yadav Denied Access to Alliance Van During Bihar Bandh, Sparks outburst

Patna, Bihar – A scene of apparent tension unfolded during the Bihar bandh protest as Self-reliant MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, was reportedly prevented from boarding an open van carrying prominent India Alliance leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. The incident, which occurred near the Income Tax Golambar in Patna, has ignited a public exchange regarding political seniority and recognition within the alliance.

The van, decorated as a temporary platform, quickly became a focal point as leaders attempted to join Gandhi and Yadav. Sources indicate that congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was also reportedly denied access to the van.

“When I Was An MLA, Tejashwi Wasn’t even Born”

Speaking to Aaj Tak following the incident, Pappu Yadav expressed his frustration, questioning Tejashwi Yadav’s authority to deny him access. “We live in the heart of the poor. the country considers us to be a hero. We love the poor very much. I am an MP for seven times,” he stated. “Who is Tejashwi Yadav to stop me? When I became an MLA, Tejashwi was not even born.”

Yadav downplayed the incident as a personal slight,referencing his past contributions.”This is not a matter of humiliation for me. We helped people during Corona but didn’t get votes. My name wasn’t on the list, so I wouldn’t have been allowed to climb. I am a very powerful man. No one can stop me.I am in the heart of thirteen crore people of Bihar.”

The decorated truck served as a makeshift stage, but space appeared limited. Pappu Yadav arrived with a substantial contingent of supporters, only to find himself without a designated place on the platform.

Who Secured a Place on Stage?

rahul Gandhi was joined on the platform by State congress President Rajesh Kumar, positioned near security personnel. Rajesh Ram was also invited to stand to Gandhi’s right. Other Congress representatives present included Dr. akhilesh Prasad Singh (Working Committee member), Shakeel ahmed Khan (leader of the legislative party), and Dr. Madan Mohan Jha (leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the Legislative Council).

Representing the RJD were Leader of Opposition Tejashwi yadav,State President Manganilal Mandal,and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav.Leaders from other Grand Alliance constituents were also present, including D. Raja (CPI General Secretary), Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML General Secretary), MA. Baby (CPI-M General Secretary), and Mukesh Sahni (Developing Human Party President).

What are the potential consequences of a fractured opposition in Bihar, as highlighted in the text?

The Allegations: A Breakdown of the dispute

On July 9th, 2025, Pappu Yadav, a prominent political figure in bihar, publicly accused Tejashwi yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), of deliberately excluding him from the recent bihar Bandh protest. The Bihar Bandh, called to protest against the central government’s Agnipath scheme and rising inflation, saw widespread disruptions across the state.yadav alleges a calculated move to sideline him and diminish his influence within the opposition coalition. Key accusations center around a lack of invitation to crucial planning meetings and a purposeful attempt to portray the protest as solely an RJD-led initiative.

Context: The Bihar Bandh and Agnipath Scheme

The Agnipath scheme, a new recruitment policy for the Indian armed forces, has sparked meaningful protests nationwide, notably in Bihar.Concerns revolve around short-term contracts, reduced benefits, and potential unemployment issues for agniveers – the recruits under the new scheme. The Bihar protests have been particularly intense, fueled by a large pool of aspiring soldiers and a history of social unrest. Rising inflation in Bihar further exacerbated the situation, adding to the public discontent. The Bihar Bandh was intended to amplify these concerns and pressure the central government to reconsider the Agnipath scheme.

Pappu Yadav’s Claims: Specific Points of Contention

Pappu Yadav’s accusations aren’t simply about being left out; they point to a deeper power struggle within the Bihar opposition. He specifically highlighted:

Lack of Invitation: Yadav claims he received no formal invitation to pre-Bandh strategy meetings organized by the RJD.

Media Portrayal: He alleges that Tejashwi Yadav’s camp actively worked to ensure his absence was noted by the media, framing the protest as an RJD-only event.

Political Marginalization: Yadav views this exclusion as a deliberate attempt to weaken his political standing and reduce his relevance in the upcoming elections. He has a history of independent political maneuvering and a significant following in certain regions of Bihar.

Coalition Dynamics: the incident raises questions about the cohesiveness of the opposition alliance in Bihar, particularly its ability to present a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bihar politics are notoriously complex, with shifting alliances and rivalries.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Response (or lack Thereof)

As of July 9th,2025,Tejashwi Yadav has not issued a direct response to Pappu Yadav’s allegations. RJD spokespersons have offered limited statements, generally dismissing the claims as attempts to gain publicity. This silence has been interpreted by some as tacit acknowledgement of the exclusion, while others believe it’s a strategic move to avoid escalating the conflict. The lack of a clear statement from Tejashwi Yadav is fueling speculation and intensifying the political drama. Tejashwi Yadav’s silence is a key element of the unfolding narrative.

Ancient Context: Pappu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav’s Relationship

The relationship between pappu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav has been marked by periods of cooperation and rivalry. Both leaders represent distinct segments of the opposition vote base. Pappu Yadav, with his strong support among certain backward castes, often operates as an independent force, while Tejashwi yadav leads the RJD, a major player in Bihar’s political landscape. Past collaborations have been accomplished in challenging the BJP, but underlying tensions have always been present. Political rivalry in Bihar is a common theme.

Potential Implications for the Opposition Alliance

This public spat could have significant ramifications for the opposition alliance in Bihar.

Weakened Unity: The visible discord undermines the image of a united front against the BJP.

Vote Splitting: A fractured opposition could lead to a split in votes, benefiting the ruling party.

Negotiating Power: Internal conflicts weaken the alliance’s bargaining power in seat-sharing negotiations for future elections.

Public Perception: The public may perceive the opposition as more focused on internal squabbles than on addressing the issues facing the state. Bihar election strategies will need to account for this dynamic.

Analyzing the Impact on the Agnipath Protest

While the political fallout is significant, it’s also crucial to consider the impact on the Agnipath protest itself. The focus has shifted from the core issues of the scheme and inflation to the internal dynamics of the opposition. This could dilute the protest’s message and reduce its effectiveness. The Agniveer protests deserve continued attention, regardless of the political maneuvering.

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* Bihar Politics