By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, July 28, 2026: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday led a massive roadshow in support of Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan)-backed RJD candidate Rekha Gupta for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, beginning from Pehalwan Market on Boring Road.
Addressing supporters before the roadshow, Tejashwi Yadav described the Bankipur by-election as a contest that could influence not only Bihar’s politics but also the national political landscape.
“The results of the Bankipur Assembly by-election will prove to be a milestone in national politics.
The overwhelming public support for change indicates that the politics of both Bihar and the country is moving in a new direction,” he said.
Referring to the large turnout during the campaign, Tejashwi Yadav said the crowd reflected the people’s desire for change after what he described as 35 years of unfulfilled development in the constituency.
He accused the NDA government of pursuing anti-people policies and alleged that Bihar was grappling with deteriorating law and order, rising inflation, unemployment, and the weakening of the education and healthcare sectors.
“The people are tired of the corrupt NDA government’s policies. They will now light the ‘Lantern’ to bring the light of development and change,” he said, referring to the RJD’s election symbol.
Tejashwi Yadav targeted BJP leaders over corruption:
Tejashwi Yadav further alleged that corruption had become institutionalized under the current government and claimed that those involved in scams were receiving political protection.
He questioned the development record of the BJP despite its presence at every level of government, from the Centre to the state.
According to him, issues such as unemployment, poverty, migration, crimes against women, and corruption have continued to rise under the “double engine government.”
“The welfare of farmers, labourers, students, women and ordinary citizens cannot be achieved without political change,” he said.
Reiterating his support for the recent student protests, Tejashwi Yadav demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged use of an AK-47 during police action against demonstrators.
He also repeated his promise that, if his party comes to power, students who were arrested during the protests would be honoured and provided a pension on the lines of those who participated in the 1974 JP Movement.
Route of the roadshow:
According to the RJD state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed, the second day’s roadshow began at Pehalwan Market and passed through Boring Road Crossing, Rajapur Bridge, Doosri Masjid, Police Line Crossing, Lodipur Main Road, China Kothi, North Mandiri, Income Tax Golambar, Kidwaipuri, before concluding near Chakram Devi Temple.
Hundreds of party leaders and workers participated in the procession, including state president Mangni Lal Mandal, Uday Narayan, Chaudhary, Shivachandra Ram Ramanand Yadav, Bhola Yadav, Ranvijay Sahu, Akhtarul Islam Shaheen, Kartik Singh, Shakti Singh Yadav, Kari Md. Sohaib, Urmila Thakur, Gautam Krishna, Karishma Rai, Ashok Pandey, Suday Yadav, Ramashish Yadav, Mukesh Roshan, Anwar Alam, Niranjan Rai, Dinanath Singh Yadav, Mahtab Alam, Arvind Sahni, Nandu Yadav, Bhai Arun Kumar, Balli Yadav, Brijkishore Yadav, Rajesh Yadav, Anita Devi, and Rajesh Gupta.
Supporters gathered at various points along the route, welcoming Tejashwi Yadav and Rekha Gupta with drums and traditional musical performances.
Standing atop the campaign vehicle, the two leaders greeted the crowds with folded hands while seeking support for the Grand Alliance candidate in the July 30 by-election.
Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav was elected as a leader to head the party in the Bihar Assembly.
EOM.
