Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav called Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary a “cheap minister” on June 9, 2024 [1].
The remarks highlight escalating tensions between the RJD and the state government over the treatment of former officials and their families. The conflict centers on the removal of privileges for political figures associated with previous administrations.
Yadav made the comments in Patna during Bihar Assembly trust-vote proceedings [2]. He targeted Choudhary for ordering Rabri Devi, the former chief minister and mother of Yadav, to vacate her government bungalow [1]. Yadav also criticized the decision to downgrade security cover for several of his family members [1].
“He is a cheap minister for asking his mother Rabri Devi to vacate her government bungalow and downgrading the security cover of several of his family members,” Yadav said [1].
This latest attack follows a pattern of criticism from Yadav toward the Chief Minister. On April 15, 2024, Yadav referred to Choudhary as the “selected CM” while extending congratulations [3]. During that exchange, Yadav also targeted the broader political landscape in the state, stating that Bihar lags far behind even after 21 years of NDA rule [4].
The RJD leader framed the eviction of Rabri Devi and the reduction of security as signs of poor governance by the current administration [5]. These disputes over government housing and security protocols are common in Indian state politics, but the public nature of the “cheap minister” label marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the two leaders.
““He is a cheap minister for asking his mother Rabri Devi to vacate her government bungalow,” Yadav said.”
The clash reflects a deeper struggle for legitimacy in Bihar, where the RJD is using the perceived mistreatment of Rabri Devi to paint the current administration as vindictive. By labeling Choudhary a 'selected' rather than 'elected' leader, Yadav is questioning the democratic mandate of the Chief Minister while simultaneously linking current administrative actions to a long-term failure of NDA governance in the region.
