The core of Tejashwi’s socialist argument lies in his critique of majoritarianism. The BJP’s Hindutva ideology marginalises not only Muslims but also lower-caste Hindus who do not fit into the upper-caste-dominated power structure.
Lalu Yadav’s appeal to the backward classes was based on the principle of ‘social justice’—a term that the BJP has deliberately diluted through symbolic gestures rather at the expense of substantive policy changes. Tejashwi has an opportunity to reclaim this narrative by placing economic redistribution and affirmative action at the centre of his politics.
Lalu Yadav often likened the Yadavs to an engine, stating that their role was to carry along the bogies—representing the marginalised. But the reality is more complex: if socialism is to be the driving force, the bogies must be empowered rather than merely carried along.
The timing of Tejashwi’s political maneuverings is important. With Nitish’s governance faltering and the BJP’s…
