Tejashwi’s Sweet Talk to Traders: Genuine Outreach or Election Optics… ?
Patna,29 April 2025: In a politically charged address ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav reached out to the Vaishya (Baniya) community, promising greater representation in the party and protection for traders facing increasing insecurity.
The event, held at the RJD headquarters in Patna, was organized by the Business Cell of the party to mark the birth anniversary of Bhamashah, a historical figure renowned for his financial support to Maharana Pratap. Garlanding Bhamashah’s portrait, Tejashwi used the occasion to align his political messaging with the values of courage, entrepreneurship, and loyalty, symbolized by the medieval minister.
“If you take one step with us, Tejashwi will walk four steps with you,” he said in an emotive appeal, adding that the RJD has always respected the Vaishya community and will continue to do so.
Electoral Representation Promised:
Highlighting past electoral trends, Tejashwi recalled that 15 tickets were given to Vaishya candidates in the 2020 Assembly elections, and 3 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. “We have shown our commitment through action. In the upcoming Assembly elections, the community will get its due place,” he said, positioning RJD as a party of inclusive representation.
Accompanied by senior RJD leaders like Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav and former state president Ram Chandra Purvey, Tejashwi emphasized the need for a “new Bihar” where business owners and entrepreneurs can thrive without fear. The address was also seen as a platform to praise party leader Ranvijay Sahu, who Tejashwi credited for maintaining records of crimes against traders and showing solidarity during times of crisis.
Sharp Attack on NDA Government:
Tejashwi didn’t hold back from attacking the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, accusing it of failing to protect business interests. “Whether it is GST, rising taxes, or lawlessness, the double-engine government has worked against businessmen,” he claimed. He went on to say that both the central and state governments were “economically harassing” the Vaishya community, leading to an environment of fear and insecurity.
“Robbery, murder, extortion, traders are not safe under this regime. And the government doesn’t care. I am pained to see this situation,” he added, tapping into the frustrations of Bihar’s business class.
Pitching RJD as Business-Friendly:
In a notable shift from RJD’s traditional political posture, Tejashwi tried to rebrand the party as pro-business. He cited his own record as Deputy Chief Minister during the 17-month Mahagathbandhan government, listing out key achievements:
Over 5 lakh government jobs provided
₹50,000 crore worth of investment proposals brought in
Introduction of a progressive tourism policy, which he claimed was later stalled by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He took a direct jab at Nitish Kumar, sarcastically calling him a “tired CM running the state with retired officers.” According to Tejashwi, Bihar needs youthful leadership to guide it toward economic transformation.
“Give us one chance for 5 years, and we’ll create a new Bihar,” he declared. “When we were in power, we made sure traders could grow. That’s the model we want to replicate.”
Using Bhamashah’s Legacy to Frame Narrative:
By invoking Bhamashah, Tejashwi strategically linked his message with cultural identity and community pride. “Bhamashah gave everything to ensure Maharana Pratap’s fight continued. We too want to carry forward that spirit, for justice, for dignity, for development,” he said.
This not only anchored his appeal in history but also gave his campaign a symbolic depth, especially relevant to a community that identifies strongly with entrepreneurship and social contribution.
Promise or Political Opportunism?
Tejashwi Yadav’s speech clearly signals a calculated shift in RJD’s electoral strategy, aiming to broaden its traditional support base by actively wooing the Vaishya community, which has often been aligned with the BJP. His promises of safety, representation, and business-friendly policies reflect an evolving political maturity and a desire to present RJD as inclusive and progressive.
However, the big question remains: Will these promises materialize beyond the election stage? Skeptics argue that such outreach may be more about gaining votes than genuine reform. Critics recall RJD’s past when Bihar was marred by lawlessness, especially affecting traders. Ultimately, whether Tejashwi’s words translate into real change will depend on his ability to sustain these commitments post-election, if voted to power. For now, the Vaishya community, and indeed all of Bihar, must decide whether they see him as a true reformer or just another politician seeking votes with convenient narratives and emotional appeals.
The event, held at the RJD headquarters in Patna, was organized by the Business Cell of the party to mark the birth anniversary of Bhamashah, a historical figure renowned for his financial support to Maharana Pratap. Garlanding Bhamashah’s portrait, Tejashwi used the occasion to align his political messaging with the values of courage, entrepreneurship, and loyalty, symbolized by the medieval minister.
“If you take one step with us, Tejashwi will walk four steps with you,” he said in an emotive appeal, adding that the RJD has always respected the Vaishya community and will continue to do so.
Electoral Representation Promised:
Highlighting past electoral trends, Tejashwi recalled that 15 tickets were given to Vaishya candidates in the 2020 Assembly elections, and 3 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. “We have shown our commitment through action. In the upcoming Assembly elections, the community will get its due place,” he said, positioning RJD as a party of inclusive representation.
Accompanied by senior RJD leaders like Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav and former state president Ram Chandra Purvey, Tejashwi emphasized the need for a “new Bihar” where business owners and entrepreneurs can thrive without fear. The address was also seen as a platform to praise party leader Ranvijay Sahu, who Tejashwi credited for maintaining records of crimes against traders and showing solidarity during times of crisis.
Sharp Attack on NDA Government:
Tejashwi didn’t hold back from attacking the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, accusing it of failing to protect business interests. “Whether it is GST, rising taxes, or lawlessness, the double-engine government has worked against businessmen,” he claimed. He went on to say that both the central and state governments were “economically harassing” the Vaishya community, leading to an environment of fear and insecurity.
“Robbery, murder, extortion, traders are not safe under this regime. And the government doesn’t care. I am pained to see this situation,” he added, tapping into the frustrations of Bihar’s business class.
Pitching RJD as Business-Friendly:
In a notable shift from RJD’s traditional political posture, Tejashwi tried to rebrand the party as pro-business. He cited his own record as Deputy Chief Minister during the 17-month Mahagathbandhan government, listing out key achievements:
Over 5 lakh government jobs provided
₹50,000 crore worth of investment proposals brought in
Introduction of a progressive tourism policy, which he claimed was later stalled by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He took a direct jab at Nitish Kumar, sarcastically calling him a “tired CM running the state with retired officers.” According to Tejashwi, Bihar needs youthful leadership to guide it toward economic transformation.
“Give us one chance for 5 years, and we’ll create a new Bihar,” he declared. “When we were in power, we made sure traders could grow. That’s the model we want to replicate.”
Using Bhamashah’s Legacy to Frame Narrative:
By invoking Bhamashah, Tejashwi strategically linked his message with cultural identity and community pride. “Bhamashah gave everything to ensure Maharana Pratap’s fight continued. We too want to carry forward that spirit, for justice, for dignity, for development,” he said.
This not only anchored his appeal in history but also gave his campaign a symbolic depth, especially relevant to a community that identifies strongly with entrepreneurship and social contribution.
Promise or Political Opportunism?
Tejashwi Yadav’s speech clearly signals a calculated shift in RJD’s electoral strategy, aiming to broaden its traditional support base by actively wooing the Vaishya community, which has often been aligned with the BJP. His promises of safety, representation, and business-friendly policies reflect an evolving political maturity and a desire to present RJD as inclusive and progressive.
However, the big question remains: Will these promises materialize beyond the election stage? Skeptics argue that such outreach may be more about gaining votes than genuine reform. Critics recall RJD’s past when Bihar was marred by lawlessness, especially affecting traders. Ultimately, whether Tejashwi’s words translate into real change will depend on his ability to sustain these commitments post-election, if voted to power. For now, the Vaishya community, and indeed all of Bihar, must decide whether they see him as a true reformer or just another politician seeking votes with convenient narratives and emotional appeals.
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