Lalu Yadav Endorses Tejashwi to Lead RJD Amid Family Feud and Electoral Rout.
Amid a humiliating electoral defeat and growing family tensions, RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday publicly backed his son and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav to steer the party forward.
Addressing newly elected RJD MLAs in Patna, Lalu praised Tejashwi’s efforts and confirmed he would continue leading the party. “Tejashwi ne party ko aage badhaya hai. Aage bhi wahi kaam karenge (Tejashwi has taken the party forward. He will continue to do so),” he said, attempting to reassure party ranks after the India bloc’s crushing loss.
Tejashwi Admits Shock at Poll Outcome
Tejashwi acknowledged that the RJD did not expect such a poor performance. “We did not expect such a result,” he said, adding that he had reviewed feedback from every seat, especially those lost narrowly. He questioned MLAs about discrepancies between ground-level support and EVM results, seeking clarity on the party’s electoral collapse.
RJD Faces Crushing Defeat
The NDA swept Bihar, winning 202 of 243 seats. The RJD managed just 25 out of 143 contested seats, triggering internal scrutiny and intensifying public attention on the family feud.
Family Feud Escalates
Tensions escalated after Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya criticized Tejashwi and his aides, accusing them of humiliating her despite her kidney donation for their father. In emotional posts, she described herself as “cursed” and announced she was quitting politics, warning women against sacrificing for their fathers if they have a son. She also blamed Tejashwi’s aides, RJD MP Sanjay Yadav and strategist Rameez, for the party’s poor performance.
Adding to the speculation, a video of three of Lalu’s other daughters — Rajlakshmi, Ragini, and Chanda — leaving Patna for Delhi went viral, hinting at further internal discord.
Political Fallout
NDA leaders targeted Tejashwi over the family turmoil. JD(U) state chief Umesh Kushwaha said, “If someone cannot maintain harmony in his own family, how will he provide leadership to the state?” BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal called Rohini’s treatment “unfortunate” and warned that the public would not tolerate disrespect toward Lalu or Rohini.
Meanwhile, senior RJD leaders, including Lalu and Rabri Devi, have stayed largely silent. Rabri Devi’s residence, normally a hub of party activity, was unusually quiet on Monday as the party navigates both political defeat and family tensions.
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