New Delhi: The Bihar state assembly turned into a battleground on Tuesday as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his former deputy, Tejashwi Yadav, engaged in a heated verbal exchange over the state’s infrastructure and governance.

During the budget session, Nitish Kumar took a dig at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), claiming credit for Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political rise and questioning the governance record of the RJD government from 1994 to 2005.

Nitish Kumar: "I Made Lalu Yadav What He Became"

As Nitish Kumar spoke about his contributions to Bihar’s development, Tejashwi Yadav interrupted, prompting a sharp response from the CM.

हताश, निराश, थके हुए मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार जी के पास अब कहने के लिए कुछ नया नहीं है, ठीक उसी तरह जिस तरह से उनके पास अब करने के लिए भी कुछ नया नहीं है!
बस अपना वही घिसा पिटा राग अलापते रहते हैं!

नीतीश कुमार और भाजपा का सरकार में रह जाने का मतलब है बिहार का अतीत में रह जाना!… pic.twitter.com/BIPcRT23w1

— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) March 4, 2025

Nitish Kumar retorted:
"What was there in Bihar earlier? It was me who made your father (Lalu Yadav) what he became. Even the people from your caste were asking me why I was doing this, but I still supported him."

Further criticizing the RJD’s past rule, he added:
"We came here on November 24, 2005. What was the situation then? Nobody would go out in the evening. There were no proper roads. I was a minister at the Centre, and we had to go to places on foot. Society was deeply divided with many confrontations."

Tejashwi Yadav Hits Back: "The World Was Created After 2005?"

Taking a sarcastic swipe at Nitish Kumar’s repeated criticism of the pre-2005 RJD rule, Tejashwi Yadav claimed that the CM acts as if Bihar only began developing after he took office.

Tejashwi remarked:
"It was said that there was something before 2005. The world was created after 2005. We should delve into history. It is important to remind them that all these members were present then, including BJP members."

Further attacking the ruling NDA government, Tejashwi said:
"The Vidhan Sabha is the temple of democracy, but this government is engaged in destroying democracy and the Constitution. This is no secret. This is the first time neither the CM nor the Deputy CMs were present when the Leader of Opposition was speaking. One must have the courage to listen to the truth."

Bihar Budget 2025-26: Key Highlights & RJD's Criticism

On Monday, the Bihar government presented a ₹3.17 lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 financial year, marking a 13.6% increase from last year’s ₹2.79 lakh crore allocation.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary presented the budget, which is the last before the state elections later this year.

Tejashwi Yadav Calls Budget a "Lost Opportunity"

Tejashwi slammed the budget, calling it a missed chance for the BJP-led NDA government to win public support.

"This budget was a lost opportunity for the BJP-led NDA to do something for the people as they are not going to return to power."

RJD’s key demands included:
₹2,500 monthly stipend for women
200 units of free electricity
Pro-people welfare measures

Tejashwi further promised that if the RJD returns to power, it will implement these benefits for the people.

With Bihar heading toward elections later this year, the political temperature is rising, and clashes like these are only expected to intensify.

While Nitish Kumar touts his achievements and long tenure, Tejashwi Yadav is positioning the RJD as the future—promising reforms and targeting the NDA’s shortcomings.