Choppers for polls, why not floods? Pappu Yadav slams Tejashwi for attacking govt
Independent MP Pappu Yadav launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over his criticism of the Centre's handling of the massive floods in Bihar, questioning the role of the opposition and taking digs at his education and fitness routine.
Targeting the Bihar Leader of the Opposition over his remarks that flood relief and rescue were the government's responsibility, the Purnia MP questioned what the opposition was expected to do during a disaster.
“What is the opposition's job? To play tambourines, make money, or go abroad? To simply accumulate wealth and not care about the people of Raghopur?” he said.
Pappu Yadav also questioned Tejashwi's presence in flood-affected areas and asked why helicopters used during election campaigns could not be deployed to reach people during disasters.
“If helicopters are available for travel during elections, why not reach people during floods?” he said, alleging that politicians across the spectrum had “looted Bihar” since the 1990s.
He further alleged that opposition leaders stayed away from the public during major crises, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and the current floods.
“They stay indoors even during Covid-19, and when disaster strikes, they stay home,” he said.
Pappu Yadav then turned his attack towards Tejashwi's educational qualifications while questioning the demand for a special package for Bihar.
“Does he have any knowledge or education? Everyone knows how much you have studied,” he said.
He also mocked Tejashwi's Surya Namaskar routine, saying, “Everyone knows that Tejashwi Yadav does Surya Namaskar at 12 noon.”TEJASHWI ATTACKS CENTRE OVER FLOOD RELIEF
Tejashwi Yadav has accused the Centre of discriminating against Bihar in the allocation of flood relief.
In a post on X, he alleged that Gujarat receives generous assistance even after minor flooding, while Bihar has reported more than 50 deaths, missing livestock, damage worth thousands of crores and around 45 lakh people affected by the floods.
He also alleged that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced relief for Bihar. FLOODS AFFECT NEARLY 50 LAKH IN BIHAR
The political exchange comes as floods have affected nearly 50 lakh people across 15 districts of Bihar following heavy rain and rising river levels.
According to the Disaster Management Department, 49.67 lakh people have been affected in Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnea, Madhepura and Araria.
The state recorded around 6 per cent above normal this month so far, according to the local weather office. Officials said heavy rain, along with incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of rivers flowing from Nepal into Bihar, had pushed several rivers and streams above danger levels.
Major rivers, including the Ganga and Kosi, were also flowing above their danger marks at several locations.
The administration was operating 1,248 community kitchens and 13 relief camps in the affected areas. Around 11,508 people had been provided accommodation, food, medical care and other essential services.
Twenty-seven State Disaster Response Force teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across various districts for relief and rescue operations.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Sep 15, 2026 08:44 IST
