"Tonti Politics" Now Reaches Bihar: What The Controversy Is All About

The "tonti chor" controversy involving the former deputy chief minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has escalated.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Tejashwi, now the Leader of Opposition, of removing fixtures, including taps, from the government bungalow he vacated after losing his position.

In response, Tejashwi has vehemently denied the allegations, threatening legal action against those he claims are spreading baseless accusations to tarnish his image.

The controversy began when Tejashwi vacated his official residence at 5 Desh Ratna Marg, which was allotted to him during his tenure as Bihar’s deputy chief minister.

BJP leaders, including spokesperson Mohammad Danish, alleged that Tejashwi took along valuable government property, such as taps, air conditioners, and furniture, when leaving the premises.

Danish went on to brand Tejashwi a "tonti chor (tap thief)," asserting that this was a sign of corruption.

Adding fuel to the fire, Bihar's Urban Development Minister Nitin Nabin backed the claims, stating that video evidence of the damaged bungalow had been submitted to the Building Construction Department.

He highlighted that the residence was left in poor condition, with many fixtures missing.

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and BJP leader, Nityanand Rai, accused Tejashwi of not only dishonouring a public position but also displaying arrogance by dismissing the allegations.

He said Tejashwi’s actions, whether proven in court or not, reflect poorly on his character, and questioned how someone who allegedly misuses public property could be trusted with public office again.

Rai emphasised that such behaviour is unbecoming of a political leader and that the people of Bihar deserve better.

Tejashwi, however, has been firm in his defence, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated. He claims to have video proof of the bungalow both when he took residence and when he vacated it, submitting this evidence to the concerned authorities.

In his media interactions, Tejashwi warned that legal action would be taken against those spreading the false accusations. He asserted that the allegations are part of a political conspiracy by the BJP to damage his reputation ahead of elections, framing it as a desperate attempt to derail his growing political influence.

The situation escalated further when posters appeared across Patna, mocking both Tejashwi and his father, Rastriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The posters depicted Lalu as a "chara chor (fodder thief)," referencing his conviction in the fodder scam, while labelling his son "tonti chor."

These posters were anonymously posted but widely believed to be a BJP ploy, given the party’s promotion of the images on social media platforms.

In retaliation, the RJD slammed the BJP, accusing the latter of engaging in "cheap politics."

Party spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed criticised the BJP for focussing on personal attacks rather than addressing substantial political issues, suggesting the poster campaign reflects the BJP’s fear of Tejashwi’s rising popularity.

The "tonti chori" controversy has drawn comparisons with a similar situation involving Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh.

After losing the 2017 election, Akhilesh was accused of damaging the government bungalow he vacated, with claims that he even removed bathroom taps.

At that time, the BJP had labelled him "tonti chor," a term now applied to Tejashwi in Bihar. This parallel has sparked further discussion, as both Akhilesh and Tejashwi are seen as key opposition figures in their respective states.

As the controversy unfolds, Tejashwi remains adamant that he has the necessary evidence to clear his name, while the BJP continues to press its accusations.

Whether the allegations are proven or dismissed, the "tonti chori" drama has already caused damage to Tejashwi's reputation. After earlier criticism of him related to nepotism and being "9th fail," now "tonti chor" will be used to target him as incompetent.

As Tejashwi prepares to take the matter to court, it seems the saga is far from over.