Pen Politics Heats Up in Bihar as Tejashwi Yadav Targets Youth with ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra’
GG News Bureau
Patna, 19th Sept: The political temperature in Bihar is soaring as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) intensify their public campaigns ahead of the upcoming state elections. At the heart of the political buzz is RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is currently leading his ambitious “Bihar Adhikar Yatra” with a sharp focus on the youth and first-time voters.
During his rallies, Tejashwi has been seen directly attacking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of failing Bihar on issues of education, employment, and development. His latest strategy—handing out pens to students and young attendees—has triggered what many are calling the beginning of “pen politics” in the state.
युवा अगर बेरोजगार है तो सत्ता गुनहगार है और इस गुनाह की सज़ा जनता तय करेगी!
📍मोकामा, बिहार अधिकार यात्रा pic.twitter.com/m6y3GobUF4
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) September 17, 2025
Viral Video of Tejashwi Distributing Pens
A recent video from his campaign trail, where Tejashwi Yadav distributes pens to young supporters, has gone viral on social media. The symbolism is clear: a pitch to connect with students and unemployed youth who represent a decisive section of Bihar’s electorate.
While supporters view it as a refreshing gesture highlighting education and empowerment, rivals in the BJP and Janata Dal (United) have criticized it as a gimmick. The ruling camp has sought to remind voters of the RJD’s own record in education during its years in power.
JDU’s Strong Counterattack
JDU spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar launched a scathing attack on Tejashwi, questioning the credibility of his campaign. “Before distributing pens, Tejashwi Yadav should first name the government under which large sections of Bihar’s population were deliberately kept illiterate,” he remarked.
Kumar further accused Tejashwi of symbolism without substance. “Today he rides horses, tomorrow he hands out pens. These theatrics carry no meaning. He should recall that it was under Nitish Kumar’s government that students from poor families can now study in polytechnic institutions for just five rupees. Contrast this with the so-called ‘charwaha schools’ of the past,” he added.
Focus on Youth and New Voters
Political analysts note that Tejashwi’s campaign is strategically designed to capture the imagination of Bihar’s young and first-time voters, a group that holds significant sway in the electoral outcome. The move mirrors similar tactics by Prashant Kishor, chief of the Jan Suraaj Party, who has also used pen distribution at rallies as a symbolic gesture of empowerment.
By invoking education, Tejashwi seeks to position himself as the voice of Bihar’s aspirations, while also countering criticism over his own incomplete formal education.
Election Scene Still Unsettled
The Election Commission of India is yet to announce the official poll dates, but political parties are already in overdrive mode. Seat-sharing talks remain in progress across alliances, with the BJP, JDU, Congress, and RJD all attempting to finalize strategies before the formal campaign season begins.
As Bihar heads into what promises to be a high-stakes contest, the battle of narratives is intensifying—development vs. legacy, symbolism vs. substance, and, as seen now, pen politics vs. performance politics.
