RAHUL TIWARI ON BIHAR CABINET EXPANSION

RAHUL TIWARI ON BIHAR CABINET EXPANSION

10-MAY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------------The exchange of statements is currently intensifying in Bihar politics, and the war of words between the ruling coalition and the opposition has reached its zenith. Amidst this backdrop, Rahul Tiwari—the former MLA from Shahpur in the Bhojpur district—has issued a sharp reaction regarding the current MLA, Rakesh Ojha, and the recent expansion of the Bihar Cabinet. Rahul Tiwari’s statement has not only become a subject of intense discussion within political circles but has also brought long-standing questions concerning dynastic politics and political ethics back to the surface.

Taking a dig at the incumbent Shahpur MLA, Rakesh Ojha, Rahul Tiwari launched a personal and political attack. He asserted that the manner in which MLA Rakesh Ojha is engaging in politics and making public comments is inappropriate. In a scathing tone, Rahul Tiwari remarked that Samrat Choudhary *Ji* has known him and his family since a time when Rakesh Ojha was likely no bigger than a span of a hand.

He further claimed that the information recorded in Rakesh Ojha’s father’s election affidavit indicates that the latter was a notorious criminal. Rahul Tiwari reminded everyone that the police had declared a reward of fifty thousand rupees on Rakesh Ojha’s father and had subsequently apprehended him in Delhi. He argued that it was precisely due to his involvement in several serious criminal cases that his father was on the police’s wanted list; given this history, it does not behoove Rakesh Ojha to make such personal remarks against others.

It is pertinent to note that Rakesh Ojha had previously stated: "When I look at the current leadership today, I feel a pang of regret in my heart—if only Samrat Choudhary *Ji* had been the Chief Minister of Bihar back then, perhaps the criminals would have been eliminated in police encounters. Furthermore, even those individuals at whose behest the criminals opened fire on my father would likely have met a similar fate at the hands of the Bihar Police."

Meanwhile, during an interaction with the media, when Rahul Tiwari was asked about the cabinet expansion under Samrat Choudhary, he raised serious questions regarding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s style of functioning and the statements the latter had made in the past. It is noteworthy that the cabinet has accommodated individuals who are neither Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) nor Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs). This cabinet expansion includes the names of Nishant—son of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—and Deepak Prakash, the son of Upendra Kushwaha.

Commenting on this issue, Rahul Tiwari stated that the Honorable former Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has consistently been vocal against dynastic politics on public platforms. He has frequently accused Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family of constantly attempting to install their own family members in positions of power. However, the cabinet expansion under the Samrat government has exposed the very same hypocrisy in Nitish Kumar for which he has long criticized the opposition. Regarding Nishant's induction as a minister, Rahul Tiwari remarked that if he indeed intended to enter politics, he could have established his standing earlier by contesting elections from his father's traditional constituency, Harnaut. Had he done so, he would not have faced accusations of having a political legacy forcibly thrust upon him.

Rahul Tiwari further added that, as things stand today, his direct inclusion in the cabinet—despite not being a member of either legislative house—raises several questions. According to Rahul Tiwari, if he was to be included in the government at all, he should have been accorded the post of Deputy Chief Minister, thereby clarifying his political role. Rahul Tiwari characterized the decision to assign him the charge of Health Minister as a "demotion"—that is, a professional downgrade.