Tejashwi Yadav Fires Back at Samrat Choudhary Over Controversial ‘AI Hara Gamchha’ Remark

Earlier this week, Bihar’s deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav – often labeled the state’s "artificial" chief minister by his opponents – let his temper show during a press meet in Patna. He took aim at Samrat Choudhary, a prominent leader of the opposition, for a remark that many found baffling and offensive.

Choudhary had earlier used the phrase “AI hara gamchha” – a colloquial expression that loosely translates to “a black towel made of AI”. While the exact meaning remains a bit murky, critics interpreted it as a dig at the current administration’s reliance on technology and, more bluntly, as a personal jibe at Tejashwi’s recent initiatives involving digital governance.

“If you think throwing a phrase like ‘AI hara gamchha’ is clever, think again,” Tejashwi said, his voice steady but his eyes flashing. “We are here to serve the people, not to play linguistic games that dilute serious issues.” He added that such remarks only served to distract from the real challenges Bihar faces – from unemployment to infrastructure deficits.

The deputy chief minister didn’t stop at a simple rebuttal. He called on Choudhary to apologize publicly, emphasizing that political discourse should stay respectful. “We can disagree, we can debate, but we must not resort to slurs or meaningless catch‑phrases that hurt the dignity of public office,” he warned.

Samrat Choudhary, for his part, defended his statement as a metaphor highlighting the government’s over‑reliance on artificial intelligence, claiming it was meant to spark a conversation about technology’s role in governance. “I was trying to point out that we can’t let AI become a ‘black blanket’ covering the real problems,” he said in a brief interview.

The exchange has reignited a long‑standing rivalry between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the opposition parties that include the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Analysts say the spat is likely to spill over into the upcoming assembly sessions, where both sides are expected to raise questions about the state’s digital policies.

Meanwhile, ordinary Biharis seem divided. Some social‑media users have mocked the phrase, turning it into a meme, while others applaud Tejashwi’s willingness to call out what they see as unnecessary flamboyance in political rhetoric.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Bihar’s political theatre is far from quiet, and the “AI hara gamchha” controversy may just be another chapter in the state’s vibrant, often tumultuous, democratic dialogue.