Bankipur bypoll: Ex-RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari joins BJP
Synopsis
A former RJD insider who once spoke for Lalu Prasad Yadav has crossed the floor to the BJP — publicly accusing the RJD of dynastic rot and claiming Tejashwi Yadav ignored his concerns. The timing, just ahead of the Bankipur bypoll, signals that the BJP is actively mining RJD discontent for electoral advantage.
Key Takeaways
Former RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari joined the BJP on 24 July in Patna .
He was inducted by Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi at the party's state headquarters.
Tiwari had resigned from all RJD positions on 16 July , citing repeated humiliation and lack of internal respect.
He alleged the RJD has become a vehicle for dynastic politics and that Tejashwi Yadav did not respond to his grievances.
The defection comes ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election , adding political significance to the move.
Former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 24 July in Patna, ending a long association with the RJD in a move that carries clear political weight ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election. Tiwari, regarded as a close aide of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, was inducted at the BJP's state headquarters by Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi.
The Induction Ceremony
The formal joining was witnessed by former Bihar minister Mangal Pandey, State General Secretary Preeti Shekhar, Rajesh Jha, and several other senior BJP leaders. The Bihar BJP welcomed Tiwari and other public representatives into its fold, stating that they had been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Nation First' vision and commitment to public service.
What Tiwari Said
Addressing the media after the ceremony, Tiwari made an emphatic declaration of loyalty. 'I will now live and die in the BJP,' he said, adding that the respect he had received in the party was something he would carry with him always.
He trained sharp criticism on the RJD, alleging that the party had become synonymous with dynastic politics and had transformed into a 'quagmire' from which dedicated workers needed to extricate themselves. Tiwari claimed that despite years of loyal service, he had faced repeated humiliation within the organisation.
The Breaking Point With RJD
Tiwari had resigned from all his positions in the RJD on 16 July, citing deep dissatisfaction with the party's internal functioning. He alleged that sincere workers were no longer accorded due respect, and that he had raised his concerns with RJD State President Mangni Lal Mandal and other senior office-bearers — but to no avail.
He also claimed that Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav did not respond to the issues he had flagged. Explaining his decision, Tiwari said that politics could not be sustained under conditions of continuous humiliation, noting that Lalu Prasad Yadav had himself entrusted him with key responsibilities as the party's spokesperson and media in-charge.
Before his departure, Tiwari levelled pointed allegations against a section of the RJD leadership, claiming they had hollowed out the party 'like termites' and that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by such individuals, making it increasingly difficult for committed workers to function.
BJP's Response and Political Significance
State President Saraogi welcomed Tiwari warmly, stating that the BJP respects every worker who joins its ranks and expressing confidence that Tiwari's political experience would strengthen the party's organisation in Bihar.
The defection arrives at a strategically sensitive moment — the Bankipur Assembly by-election is expected to be a closely watched contest, and Tiwari's insider knowledge of the RJD and his public profile as a former spokesperson could give the BJP an organisational edge. This is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the RJD in recent months, reflecting mounting internal discontent within the party.
Point of View
It signals that the discontent is no longer containable. The BJP, for its part, is doing what opposition parties rarely do in Bihar — converting internal RJD grievances into electoral assets just before a bypoll. The real question is whether Tiwari's profile translates into votes in Bankipur, or whether this is optics-heavy recruitment that delivers little on polling day. For the RJD, the more damaging element is not the defection itself but the on-record narrative Tiwari has gifted to its rivals.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mrityunjay Tiwari and why did he leave the RJD?
Mrityunjay Tiwari is a former RJD spokesperson and close aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav. He resigned from all RJD positions on 16 July, alleging repeated humiliation, lack of internal respect, and a failure by senior leaders including Tejashwi Yadav to address his concerns.
Which party has Mrityunjay Tiwari joined and when?
Tiwari formally joined the BJP on 24 July in Patna. He was inducted by Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi at the party's state headquarters in the presence of several senior leaders.
What is the significance of this defection ahead of the Bankipur bypoll?
The Bankipur Assembly by-election is a closely watched contest in Bihar. Tiwari's insider knowledge of the RJD and his public profile as a former spokesperson could provide the BJP with an organisational and messaging advantage in the run-up to the poll.
What allegations did Tiwari make against the RJD?
Tiwari alleged that the RJD has become synonymous with dynastic politics and described it as a 'quagmire.' He claimed a section of the leadership had hollowed out the party 'like termites' and that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by such individuals, making it difficult for committed workers to function.
How did the BJP respond to Tiwari's joining?
Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi welcomed Tiwari, stating that the BJP respects every worker who joins its ranks. He expressed confidence that Tiwari's political experience would strengthen the party's organisation in Bihar.
