15-SEP-2025, 12:00PM Chirag Paswan took a direct swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, questioning his leadership role within the opposition bloc. With a cutting remark, Paswan said, “Tejashwi Yadav himself was driving Rahul Gandhi’s car, but his leadership was overlooked.” The statement not only reignited political debates but also highlighted the dynamics between national and regional players in the opposition alliance.
Chirag Paswan : Political Jibe
Chirag Paswan : A Calculated Comment on Opposition Unity
Chirag Paswan’s remark was not just a personal attack on Tejashwi Yadav but also a broader commentary on the state of opposition politics. By claiming that Tejashwi was relegated to the role of a driver, Paswan questioned whether regional leaders were being overshadowed by the Congress in the INDIA bloc.
Chirag Paswan : Targeting RJD’s Position in the Alliance
This political jibe by Chirag Paswan was aimed at diminishing RJD’s stature in Bihar. By portraying Tejashwi as subordinate to Rahul Gandhi, Paswan sought to strengthen his own image as an independent and rising youth leader while positioning the LJP as a more autonomous political force.
Chirag Paswan and Bihar’s Political Battlefield
Chirag Paswan : Carrying Forward Ram Vilas Paswan’s Legacy
As the son of the late Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag Paswan has tried to preserve and expand his father’s legacy. His party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), continues to appeal strongly to Dalit voters, particularly in Bihar, making him an influential player in the state’s politics.
Chirag Paswan : Building a Distinct Identity
Since parting ways with his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, Chirag Paswan has been carefully building his political identity. He often uses sharp comments, like the one against Tejashwi Yadav, to project himself as a fearless and vocal leader unafraid to challenge established parties.
Tejashwi Yadav vs. Chirag Paswan: The Youth Rivalry
Chirag Paswan : Competing for Bihar’s Young Electorate
Both Chirag Paswan and Tejashwi Yadav are seen as youth icons in Bihar politics. While Tejashwi banks on RJD’s traditional base and his father’s legacy, Paswan appeals to aspirational voters with his modern and outspoken style.
Chirag’s Edge Through Aggressive Politics
Where Tejashwi often takes a cautious stance, Chirag Paswan has built his image as a more aggressive critic, especially of the opposition’s internal weaknesses. His “driver’s seat” comment reinforced his ability to use symbolic language that resonates with voters.
National vs. Regional Leadership
Congress Overshadowing Regional Leaders
By emphasizing that Tejashwi Yadav was driving Rahul Gandhi’s car, Chirag Paswan raised questions about the Congress’ dominance in opposition politics. He implied that leaders like Tejashwi are not treated as equals, but rather as supporting characters.
Chirag Paswan’s Strategic Projection
This remark helps Chirag Paswan project himself as a leader who refuses to play second fiddle. It positions him as someone who values political independence, a stance that could attract voters wary of unequal alliances.
Reactions to Chirag Paswan’s Statement
RJD’s Strong Rebuttal
Unsurprisingly, RJD leaders dismissed Chirag Paswan’s statement, calling it baseless and politically motivated. They defended Tejashwi Yadav as a credible leader who enjoys the support of millions of Biharis.
Media and Public Response
The statement sparked debates on television channels and across social media platforms. Many saw it as a clever piece of political rhetoric by Chirag Paswan, while others criticized it as an unnecessary personal attack.
Symbolism Behind the Remark
Political Messaging in Simple Words
In Indian politics, symbolic remarks often gain more attention than policy discussions. By using the metaphor of “driving the car,” Chirag Paswan created a simple yet powerful image that questions Tejashwi’s authority.
Attempt to Undermine Opposition Unity
At a time when opposition unity is critical, Paswan’s comment also attempted to sow doubts about the INDIA bloc’s internal balance. By casting Tejashwi as overshadowed, he indirectly questioned the alliance’s credibility.
Chirag Paswan’s Growing Influence
Strengthening His Political Base
Over the past few years, Chirag Paswan has consolidated his party’s base in Bihar. Despite setbacks, he has managed to present himself as the rightful heir to his father’s political legacy.
A Potential Kingmaker
Given his growing clout, Chirag Paswan could play the role of kingmaker in Bihar’s electoral battles. His remarks against Tejashwi are part of a broader strategy to assert dominance in Bihar’s multi-party landscape.
The Road Ahead: Bihar’s Political Equations
Battle Between Generational Leaders
The contest between Chirag Paswan and Tejashwi Yadav represents a generational shift in Bihar politics. Both leaders are trying to carve out space in a political field long dominated by veterans like Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Importance of Perception Battles
In politics, perception often matters more than reality. Chirag Paswan’s sharp remark has already shifted the conversation, placing Tejashwi on the defensive and reinforcing Paswan’s aggressive image.
Conclusion
The statement by Chirag Paswan, claiming that “Tejashwi Yadav was driving Rahul Gandhi’s car, but his leadership was overlooked”, has ignited fresh debates in Bihar’s political arena. While some see it as a clever rhetorical strike, others dismiss it as an attempt to gain headlines.
What remains clear is that Chirag Paswan has positioned himself as a bold and outspoken leader willing to challenge both allies and opponents. His jibe at Tejashwi underscores the rivalry between Bihar’s young leaders and highlights the delicate balance within opposition politics.
As Bihar heads into an intense election season, the war of words between Chirag Paswan and Tejashwi Yadav will likely play a key role in shaping voter perceptions. Whether Paswan’s aggressive strategy yields electoral dividends or merely fuels controversy remains to be seen, but his remark has ensured that he remains at the center of Bihar’s political discourse.
Source : ANI
