RJD Prepares Leadership Transition: Tejashwi Yadav Set for Bigger Organisational Role Amid Lalu Prasad’s Health Concerns

Patna: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is preparing for a significant organisational shift as Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, is likely to be appointed the party’s working president. The move is being seen as a practical step to ensure smooth functioning of the party in view of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s health and limited involvement in day-to-day political affairs.

According to party sources, the proposal to elevate Tejashwi Yadav is expected to be discussed and possibly approved at the RJD’s national executive meeting scheduled for January 25. With doctors advising Lalu Prasad to avoid stress and rest extensively, senior leaders believe that appointing a working president has become essential to manage organisational responsibilities and political strategy effectively.

Tejashwi’s possible elevation comes at a politically sensitive moment for the party. The RJD is still recovering from its poor performance in the last Bihar Assembly elections, which dented the party’s morale and raised questions about its future direction. At the same time, internal family tensions have surfaced, with Tejashwi’s elder brother and former minister Tej Pratap Yadav, along with sister Rohini Acharya, reportedly expressing strong displeasure over the influence of certain close aides around Tejashwi, particularly party MP Sanjay Yadav. These developments have added an extra layer of complexity to Tejashwi’s leadership challenge.

The upcoming national executive meeting is also expected to focus on broader organisational restructuring. Several senior leaders may be assigned new roles at both state and national levels to strengthen the party ahead of future electoral battles. Additionally, the leadership may consider disciplinary action against those accused of working against the party’s interests during the recent assembly elections, signalling a tougher stance on internal dissent.

The groundwork for Tejashwi Yadav’s rise within the RJD was laid earlier. In a major decision taken during the national executive meeting last year, both Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi were granted full authority over key party matters, including decisions related to the party’s name and election symbol. The party constitution was amended to formalise shared decision-making powers, clearly indicating a planned leadership transition.

Lalu Prasad Yadav has led the RJD as its national president since its formation in 1997 and has held the post continuously for nearly three decades. In June 2025, he was re-elected unopposed for a 13th term, which will continue until 2028. While Lalu remains the party’s central figure, the growing responsibilities entrusted to Tejashwi underline his position as the principal face of the RJD’s future.