RJD MP faces backlash over alleged remarks against Yadav voters

A purported video of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Surendra Yadav has triggered a political controversy in Bihar, with the parliamentarian allegedly abusing voters, particularly members of the Yadav community, for allegedly deserting his party and voting for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recent Assembly elections.  

According to the party sources, the Jehanabad MP was in the Atri Assembly constituency in Gaya Ji district to attend a function on January 11. His comments came after villagers questioned him about the lack of developmental work in Atri.  

In the video, which has gone viral on social media platforms, Mr. Yadav is heard saying that around 15,000 voters from the Yadav community voted for the NDA’s Atri constituency candidate, resulting in the defeat of the Grand Alliance nominee.  

“Betrayal by own people”

“Who stole the vote? It was the Yadav community who voted for the NDA, not our candidate,” Mr. Yadav is heard saying, while abusing the locals. He said the RJD lost in Atri and other seats due to “betrayal by its own people”.  

In the Atri seat, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s Romit Kumar defeated RJD’s Baijyantri Devi. In neighbouring Belaganj, Mr. Yadav’s son, Vishwanath Kumar Singh, lost to Manorama Devi of Janata Dal (United). 

‘RJD exposed’

NDA leaders slammed Mr. Yadav’s remarks, saying the video exposed the “true character” of the RJD, and demanded an apology. 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the RJD owed its existence to the Yadav community and that Surendra Yadav had been winning elections for many years because of Yadav voters. “His son got defeated in Belaganj, and the people voted for another leader from the Yadav community. I think the RJD leadership has given him a free hand to abuse, and if not, then action must be taken against him,” said the Minister. 

He further said, “Surendra Yadav should apologise to the Yadav community with folded hands. These are people who have undermined the dignity of the Yadav community. These are leaders who have destroyed the RJD. The Yadav community has excelled in diverse fields, producing writers, professors, doctors, and engineers. But it is really a shame people like Surendra Yadav make such statements.” 

BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra said that the incident had brought the “real character” of the RJD in the public domain. 

MP’s apology sought

“After facing defeat in the Assembly elections, the RJD is now abusing the people. This is not hooliganism, not democracy. The MP must apologise, and legal action should be taken against him,”Mr. Mishra said. 

JD(U) MLC and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that the RJD’s failure to secure votes indicated that the party had cheated the Yadav community. 

“In Belaganj, the RJD lost both the by-election and the recently concluded assembly elections. The Yadav community no longer trusts the RJD leadership, and they do not want dynasty politics. The party may not even seek an explanation from the MP for his money power, but Bihar will not accept abusive leaders like him,”Mr. Kumar said.