During a joint press conference in Araria, Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav playfully advised Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan to get married, referring to him as an "elder brother". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, standing alongside Yadav, joined in the jest, remarking that the advice applied to him as well.
The lighthearted exchange occurred during a press conference held as part of the Voter Adhikar Yatra. The leaders were addressing the media to affirm the INDIA bloc's unity ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. They also criticized the Election Commission, alleging bias towards the BJP in Bihar, including vote theft through manipulated electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi claimed that lakhs of voters' names were deleted, and alleged a partnership between the Election Commission and the BJP.
When questioned about Chirag Paswan, Tejashwi Yadav initially dismissed him as "neither an issue nor does the public ask about him". However, he then added the humorous advice about marriage. Rahul Gandhi's quick response, "This applies to me as well," drew laughter from those present at the event. Tejashwi then responded to Rahul, saying that his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, has been saying this to him for a long time now.
Chirag Paswan, who is approaching 43, has often described himself as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Hanuman,” affirming his loyalty to the BJP leader. Tejashwi Yadav took a dig at Chirag Paswan’s loyalty to PM Modi, declaring himself a 'Hanuman of the public'. This remark was in response to Chirag Paswan's comment that Tejashwi has become a "hanger-on" of Rahul Gandhi.
The Voter Adhikar Yatra also saw Rahul Gandhi riding a motorcycle from Purnea to Araria. During the rally, an unidentified youth ran up to Rahul Gandhi and kissed him before being removed by security.
The banter about marriage provided a lighter moment amidst the serious political discussions. The INDIA bloc leaders are campaigning to highlight issues with the electoral rolls and demonstrate their unity in preparation for the Bihar assembly polls.
