Why PM Modi says RJD ‘forced’ Congress to name Tejashwi as CM face

The Editorial Team of Behind The Headlines reports that on the eve of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had “put a gun” to the head of the Indian National Congress in order to force the declaration of Tejashwi Yadav as the candidate for Chief Minister from the opposition INDIA bloc. The allegation underlines the growing narrative of internal conflict within the alliance and raises questions about its cohesion and governance dynamics.

Details / Background

At campaign rallies in Arrah and Nawada districts of Bihar, PM Modi asserted that the Congress was initially unwilling to agree to Tejashwi Yadav as the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial nominee. He alleged that the RJD secured this position by wielding a “katta” (a country-made gun) metaphorically against Congress’s leadership.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election where the INDIA bloc—comprising the Congress, RJD and other allies—revealed Tejashwi Yadav as their CM face.
The BJP has pointed to the move as further evidence of discord within the alliance, describing the bloc as “united in optics, divided in reality.”

Analysis

This accusation from the BJP-led camp has multi-layered significance. First, it seeks to portray the alliance’s leadership as divided and manipulated by the RJD, undermining its claim of equal partnership.
Second, by asserting that the CM face decision was coerced, the narrative aims to weaken public perception about the INDIA bloc’s democracy and internal decision-making.
Third, in the high-stakes context of the Bihar polls—where identity politics, governance record and leadership stability play big roles—this angle serves as a strategic tool to shift focus to alleged alliance instability.
For voters watching closely, the suggestion that the Congress was sidelined may raise doubts about their role in the alliance and influence on key decisions.

Reactions / Statements

Leaders of the RJD and Congress responded by rejecting the charge as unfounded. RJD functionaries argue that alliance responsibilities were shared and the timing of the CM face announcement was a pragmatic political decision rather than coercion.
Congress leaders echoed this view, maintaining the nominee emerged through discussion and consensus.
Meanwhile, the BJP framed the rhetoric as proof of an impending split within the INDIA bloc, warning voters that post-election infighting is already visible.

Bigger Picture / Future Impact

If public perception accepts the BJP’s narrative, the INDIA bloc could face a legitimacy challenge: one of internal democracy and trust. In a state like Bihar—where coalition strength often determines governance—this perception of coercion may erode voter confidence.
Moreover, with the opposition’s CM face projected formally and publicly, the BJP’s framing of it as “RJD control” may shift electoral discourse toward leadership and alliance transparency rather than policy.
For the Congress, the allegation might force deeper scrutiny of its power role in alliances. Should the bloc succeed electorally, managing image of internal decision-making will become key.
In sum, the charge could influence not only campaign messaging but voter behaviour, especially among undecided and strategic voters seeking stability.

Conclusion

In accusing the RJD of forcing Congress to accept Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate, PM Modi has shifted the Bihar election narrative from policies and development to alliance dynamics and internal power play. Whether this claim resonates with voters will depend on how the INDIA bloc responds—not just with words, but with cohesive action. For Bihar’s electorate, the question becomes: does the alliance present a united front, or are the cracks already visible?

• Read our earlier story on the INDIA bloc’s leadership reveal in Bihar.
• See our detailed analysis of alliance politics in Bihar’s 2025 election and governance implications.