Is There a Sibling Rift in RJD Over Sanjay Yadav's Influence?
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Synopsis
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, tensions within Lalu Prasad's family escalate. The discord among his children, particularly over Sanjay Yadav's prominence, raises questions about leadership dynamics and electoral strategies within the Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Key Takeaways
- RJD's internal conflict highlights leadership challenges.
- Sanjay Yadav's influence is a point of contention among Lalu's children.
- Tejaswi Yadav's leadership is crucial for the party's success.
- Family dynamics may shape electoral outcomes.
- Rohini Acharya's political ambitions remain uncertain.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) In the lead-up to the anticipated announcement of Bihar Assembly election dates, the children of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad are embroiled in yet another public dispute. This latest controversy is reportedly centered around a 'seat'; however, the underlying conflict extends beyond mere positioning.
Tejaswi Yadav, seen as Lalu's successor, has previously encountered familial dissent, primarily from his elder sibling, Tej Pratap Yadav. Presently, the discord appears to be divided into two factions, each led by a brother-sister pair.
At the heart of the disagreement is a photograph featuring Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav prominently displayed in front of a vehicle during the recent 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar.
The RJD, under Tejaswi's leadership, participated in this initiative organized by the Congress, which was sparked by Rahul Gandhi's allegations of 'vote chori.'
Rohini Acharya, Lalu's second daughter, raised concerns regarding the seating arrangement, emphasizing that the position is typically reserved for senior leaders. The seat next to the driver is strategically important for visibility.
Tej Pratap, who has been sidelined from the party, has voiced his support for Rohini.
Meanwhile, Misa Bharti, Lalu's eldest daughter, is reportedly siding with Tejaswi. In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she successfully reclaimed a seat from her uncle and former RJD member, Ram Kripal Yadav, who had previously left the party after being denied a ticket.
In previous elections, the rebel leader had triumphed over Misa in both 2014 and 2019. Despite this, Tejaswi, on advice from Sanjay, granted her another opportunity.
Insiders suggest that Rohini is eyeing a bid for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, a claim she refutes.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she lost to BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy by over 13,600 votes in the Saran constituency.
This constituency, previously called Chapra, has historically been a stronghold for Lalu, who won four out of five terms from there, defeating Rabri Devi in 2014.
Lalu, aged 77, has faced legal troubles and health issues, allowing Tejaswi to rise as the de facto leader of the RJD.
Over the years, Tejaswi has successfully transformed the RJD into the largest party in the Assembly, though it still lacks a majority. His adept negotiations with alliance partners, particularly the Left parties in 2020, yielded positive outcomes.
Tejaswi often credits his achievements to Sanjay Yadav, a long-time acquaintance from his cricketing days.
Within the party, Sanjay is viewed as a crucial strategist, overseeing constituency assessments, analyzing data, and managing alliances, ultimately presenting his findings to Tejaswi.
As the rift unfolds, Sanjay is perceived as pivotal in determining the political destinies of both Rohini and Tej Pratap, with the seat he occupies being a focal point of contention, impacting the decisions of the current RJD leader.
Point of View
The ongoing familial disputes within the RJD reflect deeper issues of leadership and strategy that may impact the party's electoral performance. As the political landscape in Bihar evolves, it is imperative for the RJD to present a united front to effectively challenge rival parties.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue causing the rift within the RJD?
The rift centers around the prominence of Sanjay Yadav and his seating position during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', leading to disputes among Lalu Prasad's children.
Who are the key figures involved in this dispute?
The key figures include Tejaswi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Rohini Acharya, and Misa Bharti, each representing different factions within the family.
What impact could this rift have on the upcoming elections?
The internal conflict could undermine the RJD's unity, potentially affecting their electoral strategies and chances in the Bihar Assembly elections.
Is Rohini Acharya planning to contest in the elections?
There are rumors that Rohini may contest in the Bihar Assembly elections, although she has denied these claims.
How has Tejaswi Yadav's leadership impacted the RJD?
Tejaswi Yadav has transformed the RJD into the largest party in the Assembly despite lacking a majority, showcasing his political acumen.
