By Kavita Sharma.
Photo Crdit: The Suncity News.
Patna, September 20, 2026: RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday criticized the Bihar government and the Centre over the flood situation, drought conditions and lack of compensation for farmers.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence, 1 Polo Road, Patna, Tejashwi Yadav said Bihar has been facing the effects of floods for the past 28 days, while several areas were simultaneously experiencing a drought-like situation.
He claimed the state had received less than 35 percent of its expected rainfall and alleged that standing crops across lakhs of hectares were being damaged.
Yadav said many farmers were unable to recover even their input costs and alleged that the state government had not yet conducted a comprehensive assessment of the drought situation.
He said Bihar was facing a dual crisis, with around 50 lakh people affected by floods while farmers in other areas were dealing with inadequate rainfall.
Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the NDA government had failed to provide adequate relief to flood victims.
According to Yadav, community kitchens and relief camps were opened in some areas but were subsequently closed within two to four days because of a lack of funds.
Tejashwi Yadav questions closure of relief camps:
Yadav highlighted the difficulties faced by families whose houses were damaged or submerged in floodwater.
He said many victims had lost essential household items, including clothing footware and utensils and continued to face unhygienic conditions because of stagnant floodwater.
He questioned the decision to close relief camps while many affected families were still unable to return home.
Tejashwi Yadav also alleged that flood victims were being asked to produce Aadhar cards and other documents, which he claimed was creating difficulties in accessing relief.
Raised questions over the contingency fund:
Referring to the period when the Grand Alliance government was in power, Tejashwi Yadav said the RJD had held Disaster Management and Finance portfolios in 2015 and 2022.
He said that, on the advice of RJD National President Lalu Prasad Yadav, provisions had been made in the state budget allowing four percent of the total budget to be used as a contingency fund during floods, drought, natural disasters and other crises.
Tejashwi Yadav questioned whether the current size and utilisation of Bihar’s contingency funds had been withdrawn as early as June, yet the government was now citing a shortage of funds for flood relief.
Yadav said crops, including paddy, maize, vegetables and bananas, had been damaged across approximately 1.5 lakh hectares because of the floods.
He alleged that affected farmers had yet to receive compensation.
Tejashwi Yadav referred to Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent visit to Bihar to assess the flood situation.
He claimed that the visit followed repeated letters and demands from him regarding the plight of flood victims.
He demanded that the Centre make public the report submitted by Chouhan following his visit, along with details of relief, rehabilitation and damage assessment.
Tejashwi Yadav also questioned why Bihar had not received assistance through the PM’s Relief Fund, while referring to the PM Cares Fund established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attacks Deepotsav amid floods:
Yadav also criticized the government’s celebration involving the lighting of Diyas, alleging that Rs 100 crore had been spent on the programme.
He questioned the decision to organize such celebrations while millions of people were dealing with the effects of floods.
He also criticised political leaders who have announced donations of one or two months’ salaries to the Chief Minister Fund, arguing that such contributions would be insufficient compared with the scale of the crisis.
Tejashwi Yadav questioned whether a combined contribution of Rs 2 to Rs 3 crore could adequately address the needs of around 50 lakh flood-affected people.
Also Read: Gandak flood alert: Bihar steps up vigilance after glacial burst at the Nepal-Tibet border.
EOM.
