Is Bihar's Political Landscape Changing with Vijay Krishna's Resignation from RJD?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, December 10 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) faced another significant political blow on Wednesday as senior leader and former Bihar minister Vijay Krishna stepped down from all party roles, including his primary membership.
In his resignation letter addressed to RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav, he stated, “I have made the decision to exit from party politics and active politics. Thus, I am resigning from the primary membership and all positions within the Rashtriya Janata Dal. I request you to accept my resignation.”
Vijay Krishna has been recognized as one of the influential figures within the RJD.
He gained prominence after defeating JD-U stalwart Nitish Kumar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from the Barh constituency.
Despite being an active and well-regarded member of the party for many years, increasing discontent with the leadership is believed to have led to his departure.
His political journey has been marked by considerable controversy.
During the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, Vijay Krishna accused Nitish Kumar of election rigging.
Although he appealed to the court, his plea was ultimately dismissed.
In 2004, he successfully ran for Barh, once more challenging Nitish Kumar and emerging victorious.
His career took a dramatic turn in 2009 following the murder of transporter Satyendra Singh in the Krishnapuri police station area of Patna.
Vijay Krishna, alongside his son Chanakya and two others, was named as a suspect in the case.
In 2013, a Patna civil court convicted them, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
After nearly a decade in jail, Vijay Krishna received significant relief from the Patna High Court.
In May 2022, the court overturned the life sentence handed to him and his son Chanakya, acquitting them in the murder case.
His resignation is perceived as a major setback for the RJD, especially at a time when the party is already confronting internal challenges and a changing political environment in Bihar.
Following the RJD's substantial defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, several leaders have been reported to have departed from Lalu Yadav's party.
In this context, Vijay Krishna, a formidable opponent of Nitish Kumar, leaving the RJD is considered a significant blow for Lalu and Tejaswi.