Center treating Bihar as stepchild: Tejashwi Yadav on flood-related issues

RJD and LoP leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses a press conference on issues related to the recent flood in Patna on September 13, 2026. Photo credit: ANI

Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday (13 Sep 2026) slammed both the state and the central government for their lack of seriousness in dealing with the recent floods in Bihar, alleging that the state is being treated like a “stepchild”.

Mr Yadav, who is the national working president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the floods in Bihar be declared a national disaster and also sought compensation and a special economic package for the affected families. According to him, the central government has not shown any seriousness in this regard so far.

Over 48 thousand people are affected by the floods, Mr. Yadav said, adding that he has also written to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary but to no avail. Mr. Yadav alleged that the “two-engine” government in Bihar was not serious about the issue and that both engines had caught fire, preventing people from receiving relief. He added that no hearing or action has been taken yet.

The RJD leader claimed that although there are eight NDA ministers and 30 Lok Sabha MPs in Bihar, the people of the state have been left to deal with the situation on their own.

“The state government withdrew ₹ 4,000 crore from the contingency fund in July and used the money for salaries and other administrative expenses. Bihar’s coffers are empty and central government ministers from the state have no leverage in securing central assistance,” Yadav said.

He added that during the Kosi floods (2008), his father and then Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had arranged a special package for Bihar. “At that time, Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji and Congress National President Sonia Gandhi visited Bihar to provide relief funds and ensure justice for the Kosi flood victims. In contrast, the Narendra Modi government’s attitude towards Bihar reveals their mindset,” said Mr. Yadav said.

He further claimed that in Gujarat, even if it rains there, the government will immediately set up relief camps and provide all possible assistance, including a package for the state.

Mr. Yadav also alleged that the BJP leaders and the central government always ignore the people of Bihar in times of disaster and when the election season comes, everyone from the Prime Minister to the Home Minister starts visiting to seek votes.

“Bihar is being treated like a step-child as there is no help from BJP-ruled states. During elections, Amit Shah talks about making Bihar flood-free; but when more than 47 million people are trapped in the ravages of floods, he is nowhere to be found, not even a single statement has been issued. This attitude in Bihar on this issue simply does not reveal the nature of this power and the state,” said Mr. Yadav.

He claimed that when he visited the flood-hit areas to meet the victims, the boat he got from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) started deflating in the middle of the river and he had to be rescued by villagers.

Mr. Yadav said that as the Leader of the Opposition, he had assessed the situation and demanded that the government provide relief and financial assistance to the flood victims.

According to the Bihar Disaster Management Department (DMD), more than 48.35 million people have been affected by the floods in 87 blocks of 15 districts.

Published – 14 Sep 2026 02:33 IST