'You Weren't Performing, So I Left': Nitish Kumar Calls Tejashwi 'Just A Kid' In Fiery Debate

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 18:18 IST

Before the argument broke out, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav raised concerns over the SIR questioning its timing, impartiality, and feasibility, especially for the migrant population

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar speaks during the monsoon session of the state assembly, in Patna on July 23. (Image: @BiharVidhanSabhaTV on YT/PTI)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav got into a fiery debate in the assembly on Wednesday, over the voter list revision in the poll-bound state.

When Tejashwi questioned the exercise, Nitish, while defending the government’s record, mocked him saying he is “just a kid" and told him that he had left the Mahagathbandhan because he was not “performing well" as the deputy chief minister. 

Watch the video here:

“Your father was CM for seven years and then your mother was there…you were the deputy CM…what was the situation at that time? I was with you…but you were not performing well so I left…." Nitish Kumar said.

The personal attacks began when Tejashwi questioned the requirement of 11 documents for the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. He asked how poor people will manage to provide so many documents.

In response, Nitish got agitated and reminded Tejashwi of his “parents’ tenure" and called him a “kid". “What are you talking about? Why are you speaking like this… Elections are coming up this year, and people will think about what to do. Our government has done a lot of work. These people just say anything for elections," he said.

He added: “Did women ever get anything before? We’ve done a lot for women. RJD didn’t do anything for Muslims. We’ve worked for Muslims. You’re just a kid, what do you know? People used to not even step out of their homes in Patna in the evening. We’ll go to the people with the work we’ve done."

WHAT DID TEJASHWI YADAV SAY?

Before the argument broke out, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav raised concerns over the SIR exercise, questioning its timing, impartiality, and feasibility, especially for the state’s large migrant population.

“I asked for only four things. The voter list was first published in February, and after the Lok Sabha elections, a revision could have been done. Instead, they are rushing everything now. They are demanding 11 documents, which poor people do not have. Where will poor people get so many documents in just 25 days?" Tejashwi said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) requires new voters to submit 11 documents, including identity proof, birth certificates, residence certificates, Aadhaar cards, and mobile numbers.

Tejashwi said this process will burden the poor, illiterate, and rural populations, potentially disenfranchising them. He highlighted the significant digital divide in the state, stressing on the need for practical considerations in implementing such processes.

He said the right to vote is a fundamental right in a democracy and urged the EC to be impartial. “Lalu ji says that the right to vote is a fundamental right in a democracy. Our objection is not to the SIR itself, but the EC should work impartially; it has not held a press conference so far. Are the voters who cast their vote in the last Bihar election fake? Does it mean that Nitish Kumar became chief minister through fake means? Did Narendra Modi become PM through fake means? Did we also win elections through fake means?" he asked.

(With ANI inputs)

News politics 'You Weren't Performing, So I Left': Nitish Kumar Calls Tejashwi 'Just A Kid' In Fiery Debate