A Misfire That Backfired: How Tejashwi Yadav’s Own Supporters Damaged His Campaign

Patna: Political analysts may interpret the 2025 Bihar Assembly election results in many ways, but one conclusion is widely shared across public and political circles—Tejashwi Yadav was not defeated by his opponents; he was pulled down by his own supporters. Their aggressive sloganeering, crude songs, caste-laced videos, and provocative behaviour ended up hurting the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) far more than it helped. And in this political “storm,” Tejashwi’s allies, too, could not escape the fallout.

When Supporters Turned Campaigners—and Became a Liability

During the election campaign, several promotional songs created by RJD supporters went viral. Instead of energising voters, these songs offended and alienated many, especially those who were undecided or leaning towards RJD. The impact became visible on counting day—RJD managed to win only 25 seats.

The ‘Katta’ Song That Sparked National Outrage

The most controversial moment of the campaign occurred in Mohiuddinagar, Samastipur, during the first phase of elections. A child was encouraged to sing on the RJD stage, belting out:

“Bane dehi CM Tejashwi bhaiya ke, tab katta leke ghumwai…”

The message was clear—once Tejashwi becomes Chief Minister, supporters would roam around with guns.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of the matter and issued a notice to the district administration.
What was intended as a show of strength became a symbol of lawlessness, damaging Tejashwi’s image.

Abusive Slogans in a Funeral Procession Deepened the Wounds

Another major flashpoint occurred during the funeral procession of Dularchand Yadav, where abusive slogans targeting upper castes were allegedly shouted in the name of Anant Singh.
The administration remained silent out of fear of escalation, but the voters were not silent—they responded through the ballot.

Voters Had Initially Trusted Tejashwi’s Promises

At the start of the campaign, public sentiment seemed favourable. Many believed in Tejashwi’s big-ticket promises:

• One government job per household
• ₹30,000 monthly honorarium for Jeevika Didis

Political observers say Tejashwi’s message had begun to resonate. But the reckless videos and irresponsible songs shared by a section of his supporters undermined his credibility and shifted the narrative.

From Silent Anger to Silent Voting

Experts note that the voters who felt insulted or threatened by such songs did not express outrage publicly. They went completely silent—and silently voted against RJD.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s now-famous “katta” remark in his rally further cemented the perception that an RJD-led government would bring back “jungle raj.”
The NDA’s messaging team successfully turned this narrative into a decisive advantage, leading to a massive victory that might not have been possible otherwise.

Tejashwi’s Real Threat Was Not Nitish or Modi—It Was His Own Supporters

Tejashwi Yadav did not lose to Nitish Kumar or Narendra Modi this time.
He lost to the undisciplined elements within his own camp.

In 2020, he campaigned on the message of “A to Z.”
In 2025, he failed to distance himself from supporters who were spreading caste hostility, abuses, and threats in his name.

Had Tejashwi strongly condemned such behaviour or taken action against those releasing inflammatory videos, the outcome could have been very different.

Instead, the same supporters who claimed to be his “most loyal soldiers” punctured the parachute of his electoral flight.