“He is my elder brother… I’m the son of a poor man” — Khesari Lal Yadav Fires Back After Tej Pratap’s ‘Nachne Wala?’ Dig

Chapra: Singer-actor turned politician Khesari Lal Yadav, who is contesting the Chapra assembly seat for the RJD, on Sunday responded to Janshakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav’s jibe — reported as a “nachne wala?” remark — with a lengthy defence of his background and priorities.

Addressing reporters and supporters, Khesari struck a conciliatory tone about family ties but was firm on the issues he says matter to voters. “He is my elder brother… It’s not necessary for me to respond to him… I am the son of a poor man. I didn’t have the means to graduate… I was born poor,” he said, underlining his humble origins and explaining why questions of livelihood and education are central to his campaign.

Khesari criticised political rivals for what he called distractionary politics. “They (NDA leaders) are not watching their language. They have resorted to insulting the farmers, but I will not insult them because I am a cultured son and the son of cultured parents… I’m talking about employment. They’re talking about religion…” he said, stressing that issues such as jobs, education and healthcare should take priority.

The RJD candidate made clear he respects religion but accused opponents of using faith as an electoral tool. “I’m saying Jai Shri Ram right now… But they want to get votes in the name of religion… I’ve never been against religion. I’ve sung songs about Ram… Religion is important, but education is also necessary… Hospitals are also important… You don’t talk about livelihoods, you only talk about temples and mosques. This diverts the issue,” Khesari said.

Turning to criticism about governance, Khesari questioned long-standing accountability. “You always talk about Jungle Raj. The children who are deprived of education today are 20-year-olds, and whose government has been in power for 20 years? Nitish Kumar… My future is facing problems, and when I discuss that, you call me anti-religion…” he added.

In a dramatic pledge aimed at challenging the NDA on delivery, Khesari issued a condition: “If NDA leaders hold a press conference and declare that from tomorrow the foundation stone of the factory will be laid here,.. I promise that I will never contest elections in my life, nor will I take an oath, nor will I receive any certificate…”