Tejashwi Yadav Appointed RJD's New National Working President
In a significant organizational reshuffle, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has unanimously elevated Tejashwi Yadav as the party’s national working president. The decision, taken during the RJD’s national executive meeting in Patna on January 25, 2026, formalizes a role that the Bihar Assembly’s Leader of Opposition has been effectively performing for several years, consolidating his authority within the party founded by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Unanimous Decision at National Executive Meeting
The appointment was announced by Bihar RJD president Mangni Lal Mandal following a meeting attended by the party’s top brass, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Misa Bharti. The move is seen as a strategic step to clarify the leadership structure as the RJD gears up for upcoming political challenges following its performance in last year’s Bihar Assembly elections.
Key Details of the Appointment –
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | National Working President of RJD |
| Date of Appointment | January 25, 2026 |
| Decision Forum | RJD National Executive Meeting |
| Location | Patna, Bihar |
| Nature of Appointment | Unanimous |
| Previous Role | Leader of Opposition, Bihar Assembly |
What “National Working President” Means for Tejashwi’s Authority?
This elevation isn’t merely symbolic. Over recent years, Tejashwi Yadav’s influence within the RJD has grown substantially. The national executive had already granted him significant powers in 2025, including:
- Authority over ticket distribution for elections.
- Power to resolve disputes concerning the party’s symbol and flag.
- Greater say in organizational and political decision-making.
The new title of RJD’s national working president formally institutionalizes these responsibilities and signals a potential succession plan within India’s prominent regional party.
Internal Family Dynamics: The Subplot of Sibling Discord
While the appointment was unanimous within the national executive, it occurs against a backdrop of visible tension within the Yadav family, revealing cracks in what was once a united political front.
Rohini Acharya’s Veiled Critique –
Ahead of the crucial meeting, Tejashwi’s elder sister, Rohini Acharya, took to social media platform X to launch a pointed, albeit indirect, critique of the party’s current leadership. Her post contained several provocative assertions:
- Call for Introspection: She urged the party to engage in honest introspection rather than what she termed an “evasion of responsibility” for recent electoral setbacks.
- Warning Against “Infiltrators”: Acharya alleged that the RJD was being influenced by “infiltrators and conspirators” sent by ideological opponents to weaken it from within.
- Questioning Loyalty: She stated that those truly committed to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ideology had the right to question the current leadership’s stewardship.
Although not naming Tejashwi directly, the timing and content of her message were widely interpreted as a challenge to his growing ascendance.
Broader Family Rifts –
This is not an isolated incident. Following the RJD’s performance in the 2025 Bihar polls:
- Rohini Acharya announced she was stepping away from politics and publicly criticized key aides in Tejashwi’s circle.
- Party insiders reported a “bitter fallout” between the siblings.
- Tejashwi’s elder brother, former minister Tej Pratap Yadav, has also made indirect remarks blaming the party leadership for the electoral outcome.
Analysis: Why This Appointment Matters Now?
The decision to appoint Tejashwi Yadav as RJD’s new national working president can be viewed through multiple lenses:
1. Consolidation of Authority: It moves Tejashwi from being the de facto leader to the de jure second-in-command, providing a clearer line of command for the party cadre.
2. Electoral Strategy: With key state and national elections on the horizon, a defined leadership is crucial for campaign coordination and messaging.
3. Managing Succession: It represents a formal step in the political succession from Lalu Prasad Yadav to the next generation, albeit one that is currently contested within the family itself.
4. Addressing Internal Critique: The unanimous public endorsement by the national executive is also a tool to counter internal dissent and present a united front, despite the undercurrents of disagreement.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):
Q1: What does the role of “national working president” entail?
A1: While specific mandates can vary, the position typically involves overseeing the party’s day-to-day organizational functioning, implementing the decisions of the national president (Lalu Prasad Yadav), and playing a lead role in electoral strategy and political campaigns. For Tejashwi, it formalizes the extensive executive powers he already wielded.
Q2: How does this affect Lalu Prasad Yadav’s role?
A2: Lalu Prasad Yadav remains the national president of the RJD. This appointment likely designates Tejashwi as the primary operational leader, allowing Lalu Prasad to remain the party’s supreme leader and mentor figure.
Q3: What has been the reaction from other political parties in Bihar?
A3: While official reactions from rivals like the JD(U) and BJP are still emerging, analysts suggest they may view the internal family discord as a sign of RJD’s vulnerability. However, a consolidated leadership under Tejashwi could also present a more streamlined opposition.
Q4: Does this mean Tejashwi Yadav is now the undisputed successor?
A4: The unanimous appointment strongly positions him as the leading successor. However, the public airing of grievances by his siblings indicates that familial and political consensus is not complete, suggesting future internal negotiations are possible.
The Road Ahead for RJD:
The elevation of Tejashwi Yadav to RJD’s national working president marks a pivotal chapter in the party’s history. It is an attempt to project stability and decisive leadership to the public and the party’s voter base. However, the simultaneous visibility of family discord poses a unique challenge. Tejashwi’s success in this new role will depend not only on his political strategy against rival parties but also on his ability to navigate these complex internal dynamics and unite the party under his practical leadership. The coming months will reveal whether this appointment strengthens the RJD’s foundation or merely papers over its deepening cracks.
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