Who is Tejashwi Yadav? And Why Do Some Call Him “9th Fail”?
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is one of the most prominent young politicians in Bihar and the current leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Born on 9 November 1989, he is the younger son of two former Chief Ministers of Bihar — Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. Politics runs in his family, and over the years he has emerged as the political heir of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Before entering politics, Tejashwi tried his hand at cricket and was even part of Delhi’s Ranji team squad. However, he did not pursue sports as a career and eventually stepped into the political arena. In 2015, he became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar in the Grand Alliance government, marking his formal arrival in active politics.
Why Do Opponents Call Him “9th Fail”?
Tejashwi Yadav’s educational qualifications have often been a matter of political controversy. His critics claim that he did not clear his Class 10 (matriculation) examination and dropped out after Class 9. Because of this, opposition leaders and political strategists frequently use the phrase “9th Fail” as a jibe to question his academic background.
The term gained traction especially after public figures like Prashant Kishor and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi repeatedly highlighted it in their speeches. They argued that someone who has not completed school education should not talk about complex subjects like Bihar’s GDP, governance reforms, or development policy.
Tejashwi’s Response
Tejashwi Yadav has defended himself by saying that education is only one form of learning and that real leadership comes from connecting with people and understanding their issues. He often points out that many successful personalities in different fields were not highly educated but still created history through their vision and work.
He has also reminded critics that public trust, hard work, and administrative performance matter more in politics than degrees. According to him, his political journey should be judged by his work on issues like jobs, healthcare, and governance, not just by his school record.
Why This Debate Matters
The “9th Fail” controversy is more than just a personal attack. It reflects larger debates in Indian democracy — about what kind of qualifications are necessary for leadership. In a state like Bihar, where education and literacy are sensitive public issues, this debate becomes even sharper.
While critics use it to undermine his legitimacy, Tejashwi’s supporters argue that his popularity among the masses and his ability to mobilize crowds prove that he has the potential to shape Bihar’s future regardless of his formal education.
📌 Useful Links
• Tejashwi Yadav – Wikipedia Profile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejashwi_Yadav
• Times of India – Article on “9th Fail” Jibe: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
• Hindustan Times – Prashant Kishor on Tejashwi’s Qualification: https://www.hindustantimes.com
• India Today – Manjhi’s “9th Fail” Remark: https://www.indiatoday.in
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