Posting on social media, Rohini stated she was leaving politics and severing ties with the family while taking “all blame” upon herself. This move comes shortly after Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu’s elder son, was expelled from the party over a personal scandal, underscoring growing fissures within the RJD leadership.
Who and What: Rohini Acharya’s exit adds to the ongoing internal conflicts between the Yadav siblings and extended family members. The power struggle has been brewing for months, initially between Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, and later involving Rohini and Misa Bharti, the elder daughter, reflecting a generational and strategic shift within the party.
When and Where: Rohini’s announcement comes immediately after the 2025 Bihar election results, which saw RJD’s seat count fall dramatically from 75 in 2020 to 25 in 2025. The party’s poor performance has intensified internal debates, with Patna serving as the central hub for these developments.
Why: Analysts suggest that the election loss accelerated internal disputes over leadership, decision-making, and influence within the RJD. Rohini’s departure is seen as a statement against the rising influence of Sanjay Yadav, Tejashwi’s close aide, who has assumed a central role in party strategy and operations.
How: Tejashwi Yadav has now consolidated control over the party, with Lalu and Rabri Devi reportedly transferring decision-making authority to him. Party insiders indicate a strategic move to transition RJD from a family-dominated organization to a cadre-based structure. Ticket distribution and candidate selection are expected to prioritize political viability over familial ties, marking a significant shift in RJD’s traditional approach.
Background: Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister and founder of RJD, has historically relied on family members for party leadership. Tejashwi’s political rise, including two terms as Deputy Chief Minister, has been marked by family-centric governance. Tej Pratap’s rebellion and Rohini’s exit highlight the friction between traditional family loyalty and professional party management.
Implications: With RJD preparing for future electoral cycles, the party faces dual challenges: rebuilding morale after electoral setbacks and managing internal dissent. Political observers note that Misa Bharti’s position could also evolve, potentially adding another dimension to the family-political dynamics. Analysts argue that RJD’s ability to maintain cohesion while expanding its organizational framework will be crucial for regaining its political ground in Bihar.
As RJD navigates these internal fault lines, the coming months will reveal whether Tejashwi’s cadre-focused strategy can stabilize the party and mitigate the impact of family discord on its electoral prospects.
