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There is no Democracy in BJP, it is now a Monarchy, Tejashwi Yadav says ahead of Bihar polls

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 9:17 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Bihar’s Rising Star Calls Out BJP’s “Monarchy” Ahead of the Next General Elections

As the nation gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, opposition voices are sounding the alarm on the electoral landscape in the eastern state of Bihar. On a recent press conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav, the youthful president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), delivered a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing it as “no longer a democracy but a monarchy.” The statement has sparked a flurry of commentary across political circles and is already being dissected in a number of media outlets.

Who Is Tejashwi Yadav?

Tejashwi Yadav is no stranger to Bihar’s political scene. At just 42, he is the son of the legendary former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, and the grandson of veteran Congress leader Ram Vilas Paswan. He took over the RJD in 2014 and was elected to the Lok Sabha the same year, defeating BJP heavyweight Rahul Gandhi. Under his stewardship, the RJD has tried to reinvent itself as a “people’s party” while maintaining its traditional base of support among Yadavs and Muslims.

His recent statements are not the first time he has challenged the BJP. In a televised debate in early 2023, Yadav accused the BJP of eroding democratic norms and “creating a climate of fear.” The new claim that the BJP is “now a monarchy” is a more pointed indictment, drawing attention to the party’s perceived top‑down decision‑making style.

The Core of Yadav’s Critique

Yadav’s main argument is that the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party’s senior cadre, has shifted from a broad-based, participatory platform to one that privileges a small elite. He said:

“The BJP has lost its democratic ethos. Decision making is now confined to a handful of senior leaders. We have seen a shift from deliberation to dictatorship within the party.”

He also singled out the “centralised” leadership structure, noting that dissenting voices inside the BJP are often marginalized. Yadav pointed out that even within the alliance, the BJP often dictates the narrative and sidesteps its partners’ viewpoints. The statement was delivered at a rally where the RJD’s ticketing process was being contested, and it came at a time when the BJP is gearing up to contest 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.

Context: The 2024 General Election in Bihar

Bihar has historically been a battleground for national parties. The BJP’s 2020 performance in the state was modest: they secured only 2 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha. However, they hope to improve their standing in 2024 by partnering with the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The RJD, meanwhile, is positioning itself as the principal opposition to the NDA alliance.

The upcoming election also comes after a year of intense political maneuvering. The RJD, JD(U), and the Indian National Congress (INC) formed the “Mahagathbandhan” (Grand Alliance) in 2020 to oust the BJP in the state. The coalition won a majority, with JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar becoming Chief Minister. Now, ahead of the next election, the alliance’s dynamics are once again under scrutiny. Yadav’s critique of the BJP is part of a larger narrative that aims to underscore the need for a truly democratic opposition in Bihar.

How the BJP Responds

The BJP has largely rebuffed Yadav’s claims. In a press release, BJP spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the party “has always been a democratic party and has built its success on a merit‑based, people‑centric agenda.” He added that “the leadership’s vision is for a united India that is inclusive, not a monarchy.”

Furthermore, the BJP’s senior leaders have reiterated that the party’s decision‑making is inclusive and that it actively seeks to incorporate grassroots voices. They highlighted that the party’s internal democracy is evident in its annual “Nirman Abhiyaan” (construction campaign), which invites members across the country to suggest policies and initiatives.

Additional Angles from Follow‑On Links

A number of links embedded in the original Moneycontrol article provide deeper context into the evolving political environment:

• RJD’s Ticketing Strategy – A recent Moneycontrol report details the RJD’s decision to contest all 40 seats in the Lok Sabha, a bold move that reflects its ambition to become a national force. The report cites Yadav’s emphasis on “regional representation” and a “pro‑Bihar” stance.

• JD(U)’s Role – A separate article sheds light on Nitish Kumar’s recent moves to distance himself from the NDA by announcing an “independent” stance on the upcoming elections. It suggests that the JD(U) may be negotiating a “tripartite” alliance with the RJD and the INC.

• Lok Sabha Election Forecasts – An analysis by Moneycontrol’s political desk provides a forecast of the potential seat distribution in Bihar, indicating that the BJP may secure 15–18 seats, while the RJD could win 10–12 seats.

• Historical Perspective – A feature on the BJP’s 2009 and 2014 election performances in Bihar gives a sense of the party’s growth trajectory and its impact on the state’s political fabric.

These linked sources collectively paint a picture of a state on the brink of significant political shifts, with each party vying for a more definitive role.

What This Means for the Future of Bihar Politics

Yadav’s critique of the BJP as a “monarchy” reflects a broader call for democratic accountability and transparency in Indian politics. Whether or not the BJP will alter its internal processes in response to such criticism remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the statement has already resonated with a segment of voters who feel alienated by top‑down decision‑making.

For the RJD, the message sends a clear signal: the party is ready to stand as a credible opposition that will hold the government to account. It also positions the RJD as a counter‑balance to the BJP’s perceived authoritarian tendencies.

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 elections, all eyes will be on Bihar. Will the BJP succeed in convincing voters that its “centralised” approach is actually “efficient”? Will the RJD and its allies gain momentum by framing the campaign around democratic ideals? Or will a new political force emerge that can bridge the gap between the electorate’s aspirations and the existing political narrative?

The answer will shape not just the electoral outcome in Bihar but potentially the trajectory of Indian democracy itself. As Tejashwi Yadav cautions, “A democracy cannot thrive in a monarchy.” Only the forthcoming elections will reveal if the people of Bihar agree.