The Rashtriya Janata Dal on Sunday appointed Tejashwi Yadav as the working president of the party, marking a major organisational decision that clearly outlines the future leadership of the Bihar-based political outfit. The announcement was made during the party’s national executive committee meeting held in Patna, which was attended by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, senior leaders, and members of the Yadav family.
Tejashwi Yadav’s elevation comes in the backdrop of the party’s disappointing performance in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. The RJD had contested the polls as part of the Mahagathbandhan, projecting the 36-year-old leader as its chief ministerial candidate. Despite an aggressive campaign, the alliance failed to secure a mandate, triggering internal discussions over strategy and accountability.
In a post on social media platform X, the Rashtriya Janata Dal said the decision was taken unanimously at the national executive meeting, indicating a clear line of succession within the party. Political observers see the move as a formal step by Lalu Prasad Yadav to hand over greater organisational responsibility to his younger son, who has long been viewed as his political heir.
Tejashwi, a former deputy chief minister of Bihar, is currently serving as the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly. Over the years, he has emerged as the most prominent face of the RJD, particularly among young voters, and has led the party through multiple election campaigns.
His elder sister and Patliputra MP Misa Bharti was also present at the meeting. She was earlier believed to be in the running for a senior organisational role, though the party leadership ultimately chose to consolidate authority under Tejashwi.
A day before his appointment, Tejashwi had hinted at an organisational overhaul, telling party workers that he was considering restructuring the RJD from the booth level to strengthen its grassroots presence. The statement is now being seen as an early indication of the direction he plans to take as working president.
Internal Dissent and Family Dynamics
However, the leadership change has also brought internal dissent into focus. Tejashwi’s elder sister Rohini Acharya publicly criticised the decision, taking a sharp swipe at what she described as the culmination of dynastic politics. She had earlier blamed Tejashwi and his close aides, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, for the party’s electoral setback and alleged that demands for accountability were met with hostility.
Family tensions within the RJD have been visible in recent years. Tejashwi’s elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, who entered politics alongside him in 2015, was expelled from the party last year. Tej Pratap later floated his own outfit, the Janshakti Janta Dal, which has so far failed to make a political impact.
The Bharatiya Janata Party reacted strongly to Tejashwi’s appointment, accusing the RJD of promoting dynastic politics. BJP leaders described the move as a “coronation” and questioned the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
With Tejashwi Yadav now taking charge as working president, the RJD appears set for a phase of organisational restructuring and political recalibration. The responsibility of reviving the party’s fortunes and managing internal challenges will rest squarely on his shoulders as Bihar’s political landscape continues to evolve.