A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanjay Jaiswal sharply criticised Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav over his recent remarks about the SIR, or Scientific Indian Research institution. Jaiswal alleged that Yadav’s comments displayed a lack of awareness and undermined the contributions of India's scientific community.
The incident took place during a press interaction where Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing questions on innovation and technology, allegedly referred to “SIR” with a term that many interpreted as dismissive or inaccurately described as a “sootra,” meaning formula or theory in Hindi. This prompted immediate backlash from the BJP, which claimed that such comments diminish the importance of scientific institutions and show disregard for educational discourse.
Sanjay Jaiswal, who has a background in medicine and has previously served as a Member of Parliament, issued a strong statement in response. He said that leaders holding public office or aspiring to higher responsibilities should be well-informed about the institutions that contribute to the country’s development. He accused Yadav of being ill-informed and described the remark as unfit for a political leader.
Jaiswal added that misrepresenting facts related to science and research can mislead the public and discourage scientific thinking among youth. He demanded that Tejashwi Yadav issue a public apology and clarify his statement. He also urged political leaders to consult experts before making statements on sensitive topics related to education and scientific research.
The BJP leader further said that the country takes pride in its institutions of research and innovation and that their contributions must be acknowledged and respected across party lines. He added that disrespecting these institutions, even unintentionally, sends the wrong message and can have a negative impact on public perception.
In response, RJD members have stated that the BJP is exaggerating the issue and politicising a minor slip in language. They argued that Yadav’s intention was not to insult any institution and that the BJP is using the moment to divert attention from more pressing issues in the state. However, Tejashwi Yadav himself has not yet made any official statement in response to the demand for an apology.
Political analysts believe the incident highlights the increasing sensitivity around public statements made by political leaders. With elections approaching in several states, verbal missteps are likely to become key issues in political campaigns.
This episode adds to the ongoing rivalry between the BJP and RJD in Bihar, where both parties continue to challenge each other over governance, education, and leadership competence. Whether this issue escalates further may depend on Tejashwi Yadav’s next move and the public's response to both sides of the argument.
