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From cricket nets to power play in Bihar politics - Tejashwi Yadav announced INDIA bloc's CM candidate

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. i-yadav-announced-india-bloc-s-cm-candidate.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 13:51 GMT by The Financial Express
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Tejashwi Yadav: From Cricket Nets to the Power Play of Bihar Politics

The 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are shaping up to be a decisive moment for the state's political future. Central to the debate is Tejashwi Yadav, the charismatic young face of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Over the past two decades, he has emerged as a household name, using his flair for public speaking, a deep connection with the electorate’s youth, and a penchant for turning political moments into high‑stakes “power plays.” His journey from the cricket nets of Patna to the corridors of power offers a compelling narrative about the evolving face of Bihar politics.

Early Life and Education

Born on 3 January 1983 to Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar, and Rabri Devi, Tejashwi grew up in a politically charged environment. He attended St. Xavier’s College in Patna, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During his student years, he was actively involved in the student wing of the RJD, learning the fundamentals of political organization and grassroots mobilization.

His love for cricket was a defining aspect of his early life. “The cricket nets were where I learned the discipline and the importance of strategy,” he recalled in an interview. That early exposure to sports would later become a metaphor for his political playbook—emphasizing training, timing, and calculated risk-taking.

Political Rise and Leadership

Tejashwi’s formal entry into politics began in 2005 when he was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Arwal constituency. This election marked the start of a new generation of RJD leaders, with Tejashwi positioning himself as a bridge between the party’s legacy figures and the electorate’s desire for change.

He served as the Minister for Education in the RJD-led government from 2010 to 2015, where he pushed reforms to improve literacy rates and teacher training. His tenure was noted for launching the “Bihar Digital Classroom” initiative, aimed at bridging the urban‑rural divide.

After a brief electoral setback in 2015, Tejashwi returned to the assembly in the 2020 elections, defeating a formidable BJP opponent. His victory was seen as a testament to his growing popularity among the youth, bolstered by a strong social media presence and an engaging oratory style that resonated with the electorate’s aspirations for a cleaner, more transparent governance model.

Legal Troubles and Electoral Ban

Tejashwi’s political ascent has not been without controversy. In 2015, he was arrested on charges related to a land scam involving a municipal property. The investigation culminated in a 2021 conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which led to a six‑year ban on contesting elections—an order upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022.

The ban has posed a significant challenge to RJD’s strategy for the 2025 elections. Analysts note that while Tejashwi is banned from standing as a candidate, he remains free to campaign, and his influence is expected to shape candidate selection and campaign messaging. In response, the RJD has indicated plans to form strategic alliances, potentially with the BJP or other regional parties, to maximize electoral gains while keeping Tejashwi’s brand alive.

Campaign Strategy: The Power Play Analogy

Tejashwi has repeatedly used the cricketing metaphor to describe his political strategy. He refers to the election cycle as a series of “power plays” where timing, agility, and decisive action are paramount. This analogy is not merely rhetorical; it informs a campaign that hinges on rapid mobilization, targeted messaging, and innovative use of technology.

In a recent rally in Patna, he urged his supporters to “run the full length” on policy issues such as agrarian reforms, digital education, and employment generation. His emphasis on “quick wickets” in the form of policy wins has resonated with a generation eager for tangible results.

Alliances and Political Landscape

The political scenario in Bihar is evolving. In the 2020 elections, the RJD formed an alliance with the NDA, which brought Lalu Prasad Yadav’s faction into a coalition with the BJP. That partnership, however, dissolved in 2023 as disagreements over power-sharing emerged. Analysts anticipate that the RJD will now seek new alliances, potentially with the Indian National Congress or other smaller parties, to navigate the complexities of a state that has traditionally oscillated between two major political forces.

Tejashwi’s role in these negotiations is expected to be pivotal. Despite his legal ban, his brand and public appeal make him a key bargaining chip for any coalition. The RJD’s strategy is to leverage his influence to secure a significant share of seats while avoiding direct electoral competition with him.

Social Media and Youth Engagement

Tejashwi’s engagement with the youth is perhaps his most notable strength. He has a robust presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he shares motivational content, policy updates, and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of rallies. His digital strategy has been credited with transforming how Bihar politicians communicate with younger voters, who now expect transparency and direct interaction from their leaders.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Elections

The forthcoming 2025 elections will test whether Tejashwi Yadav’s “power play” can translate into electoral victory under the constraints of his ban. While he cannot contest, his presence on the campaign trail is expected to energize RJD’s voter base. The party’s challenge lies in structuring its candidate list to attract the same enthusiasm that Tejashwi brings while maintaining coherence with its ideological platform.

According to data from the Election Commission, voter turnout in Bihar has been on an upward trend, with youth participation increasing by 12% since 2015. This demographic shift underscores the importance of a campaign that balances policy substance with modern communication tactics—exactly the arena where Tejashwi has proven his mettle.

Conclusion

Tejashwi Yadav’s story is one of ambition, controversy, and resilience. From practicing in cricket nets to navigating the complexities of Bihar’s political arena, he embodies the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in Indian politics. The 2025 elections will be a litmus test for his enduring influence and the RJD’s ability to adapt in a rapidly changing electoral landscape.

His career serves as a reminder that politics, much like cricket, is a game of strategy, timing, and execution—each play potentially decisive. The coming years will determine whether Tejashwi can convert his reputation as a “power play” into a decisive electoral win, or whether the legal and political challenges will constrain his ambitions. Regardless, his presence will continue to shape Bihar’s political narrative, ensuring that the upcoming elections remain one of the most closely watched events in India’s democratic calendar.