RJD Charts New Course After Bihar Election Setback
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) convened for a significant meeting on January 16 and 17. This gathering marked the party's first major assembly since its disappointing performance in the Bihar Assembly polls. Leaders gathered to analyze the defeat and plan a strategic overhaul for the future.
Internal Dynamics and Leadership Plans
Despite internal family tensions surfacing publicly, the party appears set on a clear leadership path. Rohini Acharya, daughter of party supremo Lalu Prasad, made pointed remarks on social media platform X. She called for introspection and urged the identification of what she termed "vultures" within the party ranks.
However, these comments did not derail the core discussion. The RJD leadership strongly considered elevating former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Insiders indicate he is likely to be appointed as the national working president in the near future.
This move accounts for Lalu Prasad's ongoing health concerns. Tejashwi Yadav currently shares significant party responsibilities with his father. A senior RJD leader, speaking after the meeting, expressed widespread confidence in Tejashwi's leadership.
"Tejashwiji highlighted a crucial fact," the leader said. "Our vote share increased by over 30 lakh votes compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The collective faith of the leadership rests with him. His promotion to national working president would be a natural progression."
A Strategic Pivot Towards the People
The meeting also addressed the need for a fundamental shift in the party's approach. The RJD's seat count fell sharply from 80 in the 2020 Assembly to just 35 in the recent polls. This decline prompted serious reflection.
Party sources revealed a decisive new direction. The RJD will now prioritize direct engagement with the public. The focus will move away from merely reacting to the policies and statements of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's NDA government.
"We must interact more with the people on the ground," a source emphasized. "Our strategy cannot be limited to responding to the functioning of the current administration. We need to build our own narrative through consistent public connection."
Parliamentary Strategy and Policy Focus
In preparation for the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, Tejashwi Yadav held separate discussions with the party's MPs. The meeting on January 17 subsequently expanded to include state president Mangani Lal Mandal and other key functionaries.
The party formulated a clear agenda for Parliament. RJD MP Sudhakar Singh outlined the priorities. "We will vigorously pursue a special package for Bihar," he stated. "We will also demand a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat and maize. Furthermore, we seek a permanent, clear definition of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category."
This demand references questions raised by another RJD MP, Abhay Kushwaha. He challenged the NDA government to explain how 8.5 crore people in Bihar benefit from a subsidized rice scheme. Kushwaha also questioned whether these individuals are double-dipping into other welfare schemes meant exclusively for BPL families.
The RJD's post-defeat reset is now in motion. It combines a likely leadership promotion with a renewed commitment to grassroots politics. The party aims to rebuild its connection with Bihar's electorate, setting the stage for future political battles.
