Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and party MP Misa Bharti, were detained by Patna police on Wednesday, August 19, during a protest march towards the Lok Bhawan.

The protest was organised against what the RJD described as the “dictatorial attitude” of the state government and over the alleged firing of an AK-47 rifle at student protesters in Siwan district last month.

Protesters Stopped at Barricades

The RJD leaders and supporters marched towards the Lok Bhawan but were stopped by police near Income Tax Chouraha, where barricades had been put up to prevent the protesters from moving ahead.

When protesters attempted to cross the barricades, police used water cannons to disperse the gathering.

Several RJD leaders were subsequently detained by the police.

Tejashwi Leads Protest

Tejashwi Yadav, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, participated in the march along with senior RJD leaders and party workers.

The protest comes amid the Opposition's continued criticism of the state government's handling of incidents involving students and protesters.

The RJD has alleged that the government has failed to adequately address the concerns surrounding the Siwan incident.

Misa Bharti Among Detainees

RJD MP Misa Bharti, the elder daughter of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, was also among those detained during the demonstration.

Party workers gathered in large numbers as the march proceeded towards the Lok Bhawan. Police deployed barricades and security personnel along the route in anticipation of the protest.

Siwan Firing Incident

The demonstration was also linked to an alleged incident in Siwan district, where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly fired at student protesters last month.

The RJD has raised the incident as an issue of law and order and has demanded accountability from the state government.

The party has accused the government of adopting an authoritarian approach towards protesters and opposition voices.

Police Use Water Cannons

The confrontation escalated when protesters attempted to move beyond the barricades. Police used water cannons to push the demonstrators back and prevent them from proceeding towards the Lok Bhawan.

The detention of senior RJD leaders followed the police action.

The protest and subsequent detentions are likely to intensify the political confrontation between the RJD and the state government, particularly with the Opposition continuing to raise questions over law and order.

RJD Steps Up Opposition

The latest demonstration reflects the RJD's effort to put pressure on the government through street protests over issues it considers politically and socially significant.

With Tejashwi Yadav at the forefront, the party has continued to challenge the government's handling of public protests and law-and-order matters.

The developments in Patna come against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere in Bihar, with the Opposition seeking to mobilise supporters around issues involving students, governance and public safety.

Rai made the announcement at a press conference at his residence in Muzaffarpur's Chandni Chowk on Sunday, confirming he will formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday. He said that after spending a long stretch of his political career with the RJD, he had come to feel the party had drifted away from the core ideology and principles on which Lalu Prasad Yadav originally built it.

Rai was direct about where he placed the blame, saying the party's direction has shifted under its current leadership. He alleged that under Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD is no longer following the founding policies that once defined its identity, and said this was the central reason behind his decision to leave. He was careful to frame the move as ideological rather than personal, saying it wasn't driven by any individual grievance but by a genuine shift in his political thinking — adding that the party's working style and ideological commitment are no longer what they once were.

Rai said he has been influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the BJP's policies, and spoke positively of the Bihar BJP's working style, saying he wants to work alongside the party for the state's and country's development. He also praised several Centre-led decisions specifically, calling the 2019 removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir a historic step that strengthened national unity, and welcomed Bihar's proposed delimitation process, describing the government as making a series of decisions aimed at strengthening India's democratic framework.

Rai carries real weight in North Bihar's politics — he's considered influential in Sitamarhi and its surrounding areas, and his departure just ahead of the Assembly elections could affect electoral arithmetic in the region. Political observers suggest a senior, long-standing RJD face leaving the party could also have a wider impact on the opposition alliance, particularly in North Bihar, where the electoral contest is already expected to be closely fought.

The RJD has not issued any official response to Rai's resignation or the allegations he raised. Attention now turns to Monday, when Rai is expected to formally join the BJP — after which political circles will be watching closely to see how it shapes the trajectory of Bihar's election campaign.

Speaking in Patna, Khesari praised Prashant Kishor's vision for Bihar and described him as a leader working with long-term intentions for the state. The actor said people should support individuals who are trying to bring positive change rather than viewing politics only through the lens of traditional party loyalties.

The statement comes as the Bankipur bypoll has evolved into one of Bihar's most closely watched political contests. Prashant Kishor, who founded the Jan Suraaj Party after years as a political strategist, is making his electoral debut from the constituency, challenging the BJP in one of its long-standing strongholds.

Khesari said he believes Bihar deserves leadership that focuses on education, development and opportunities for the younger generation. Referring to Prashant Kishor, he remarked that supporting the "right person" was his responsibility and indicated that Bihar needs politics driven by public welfare rather than personal interests.

The Bhojpuri star also extended support to social activist Sonam Wangchuk's campaign on education-related issues, saying that any movement aimed at securing a better future for children deserves public backing. Alongside his political remarks, Khesari wished RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav a speedy recovery, describing him as a senior leader whose health was a matter of concern for many people in Bihar.

Khesari's endorsement is significant because of his massive popularity across Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Although he has occasionally commented on public issues, his direct backing of a political leader during an election campaign has attracted considerable attention.

Prashant Kishor's decision to contest the Bankipur seat has already intensified political activity in the state. He has described the by-election as an opportunity for voters to assess the performance of the current Bihar government and has urged people to move beyond caste and religion while casting their votes.

The Bankipur contest has become politically important because the constituency has traditionally been regarded as a BJP bastion. Several senior leaders from the BJP have joined the campaign, while Jan Suraaj is attempting to convert the bypoll into a larger political statement ahead of future electoral battles in Bihar.

Khesari Lal Yadav's latest remarks have also revived discussion around his earlier statements about Prashant Kishor. During previous political campaigns, the actor had publicly praised Kishor's political vision and described him as someone committed to Bihar's development, comments that continue to resurface whenever elections approach.

With campaigning gathering pace, endorsements from well-known public figures are expected to remain part of the political conversation. Whether Khesari Lal Yadav's support translates into electoral influence will become clear only after voters cast their ballots, but his intervention has undoubtedly added fresh momentum to an already closely watched by-election in Bihar.

Tiwari announced his resignation on Thursday, ending a long association with the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led party. His exit comes at a politically significant time, with Bihar preparing for Assembly elections and opposition parties working to consolidate their strategies.

In his resignation statement, Tiwari alleged that there was no longer any respect for committed and loyal party workers. He claimed that despite repeatedly raising concerns before senior leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his grievances were not addressed.

He also alleged that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by people who had weakened the party from within, comparing them to "termites" that had gradually damaged the organisation. According to Tiwari, continuing in the party after repeated humiliation was no longer possible.

Mrityunjay Tiwari has been regarded as one of the prominent public faces of the RJD for more than a decade. Appointed as the party's spokesperson and media in-charge in 2014, he regularly defended the party's position on political issues and represented it across television debates and public platforms. Party workers also credit him with playing an active role in connecting young voters with the organisation.

Reflecting on his association with the party, Tiwari said he had stood with the RJD even during difficult political periods and had fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to him. However, he maintained that the current organisational atmosphere no longer offered space for workers who had remained committed over the years.

The resignation has triggered fresh speculation over internal dissatisfaction within the RJD, although the party has not issued a detailed official response on Tiwari's allegations. Political observers believe the development could become a talking point as Bihar's electoral battle gathers momentum in the coming months.

Reports have also suggested that some senior RJD leaders attempted to persuade Tiwari to reconsider his decision. However, he reportedly remained firm and has not indicated whether he plans to join another political party.

Tiwari's political journey began during his student years before he joined the RJD, where he gradually emerged as one of its most recognisable spokespersons. Over the years, he became a familiar face in Bihar's political discourse, frequently articulating the party's stand on governance, elections and state politics.

His departure comes at a sensitive time for the opposition party, which is expected to play a central role in the upcoming Assembly elections. Any signs of internal discord are likely to attract attention as rival parties intensify their campaigns.

For now, Mrityunjay Tiwari has not announced his next political move. Whether he remains independent or joins another party is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as Bihar's political landscape continues to evolve.

The CBI had approached the top court challenging the High Court's 2019 decision to grant Yadav bail and suspend his sentence in the case, arguing the move was made without any substantial change in circumstances. The agency contended that Yadav was the kingpin and main conspirator behind the scam, accused of fraudulently withdrawing funds from the Deoghar District Treasury between 1991 and 1994 using forged allotment letters, during his tenure as Bihar Chief Minister. A special CBI court in Ranchi had convicted Yadav in December 2017, sentencing him to seven years in prison under multiple sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the CBI, argued that the High Court had erred by granting bail on the grounds that Yadav had completed 50 percent of his sentence, calling that basis factually incorrect since the sentences involved weren't meant to run concurrently. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Yadav, countered that the provision governing concurrent versus consecutive sentences applies only at the stage of final adjudication, not while a sentence suspension is being considered on an interim basis, and argued the High Court judge had simply applied a consistent standard within his discretion.

After hearing both sides, a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale declined to interfere with the High Court's order, noting that roughly seven years had passed since the bail was granted and that the CBI's appeal itself dates back to 2018. Rather than revisiting the bail question, the bench indicated it was more inclined to prioritise resolving the underlying appeal itself, directing the Jharkhand High Court to expedite the hearing and requesting that it be completed within six months. The court disposed of the CBI's plea while keeping the underlying legal question open for the High Court to address.

The ruling echoes the same bench's position at an earlier hearing in February, when it had already signalled reluctance to disturb Yadav's bail and a preference for fast-tracking the pending appeal instead.

Yadav, the RJD supremo and a central figure in Bihar politics for decades, has remained on bail through multiple fodder scam cases for several years now, with this latest order removing the immediate prospect of his return to custody while the underlying appeal continues.

The controversy erupted after disciplinary action was taken against Harelal Yadav, who was reportedly removed from the party over remarks and activities considered inconsistent with the party's official position. While the RJD leadership has maintained that organizational discipline is paramount, the decision has drawn criticism from within the party ranks.

Rohini Acharya, daughter of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, openly questioned the move and expressed support for the expelled spokesperson. In a strongly worded response, she reportedly said that if expressing certain views amounts to indiscipline, action should first be taken against her.

Her remarks quickly gained political attention, with opposition parties and political observers viewing them as an indication of differences within the party at a crucial time. The development comes as the RJD seeks to strengthen its position in Bihar's evolving political landscape and prepare for future electoral challenges.

Party insiders suggest that the dispute reflects broader conversations within the organization about communication strategy, internal democracy and the handling of dissenting voices. However, senior RJD leaders have largely refrained from commenting publicly on the matter.

The episode has once again highlighted the challenges faced by major political parties in balancing organizational discipline with differing opinions among members. Political analysts note that internal disagreements are not uncommon in large parties, but public expressions of dissent often attract significant attention because they can influence perceptions of unity and leadership control.

Opposition leaders have seized upon the controversy, claiming it exposes divisions within the RJD. Party supporters, on the other hand, argue that debates within political organizations are natural and do not necessarily indicate a deeper crisis.

The RJD leadership has not issued any detailed public response to Rohini Acharya’s remarks so far. Whether the party chooses to address the issue internally or make an official clarification remains to be seen.

The development is significant because Rohini Acharya has emerged as a prominent political voice in recent years, frequently commenting on party affairs and political developments. Her intervention has ensured that what might have remained an internal disciplinary matter has now become a broader political discussion.

As reactions continue from party workers and political rivals, attention is likely to remain on how the RJD leadership responds and whether the controversy has any lasting impact on the party’s internal dynamics.

A first information report has been registered against Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tej Pratap Yadav in Patna following a complaint by Akash Yadav, brother of Anushka Yadav, who has been at the centre of a months-long controversy involving the former Bihar minister. The case alleges forced entry into the family's residence, criminal intimidation, and phone threats — including one in which the caller claimed to represent jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

According to the complaint, the incident at the family's home in Patliputra colony took place on 6 June. Akash alleged that Tej Pratap and his associate Motilal Yadav arrived at the property and attempted to force their way in, threatening family members present at the time. Akash himself was away visiting Khatushyam when the alleged intrusion occurred.

What followed, according to Akash, was a series of threatening phone calls. One caller, who identified himself as Mohit, allegedly told him: "I am Lawrence Bishnoi's man. Think carefully before speaking against Tej Pratap." Akash has claimed that recordings of these calls have been submitted to police as evidence, and that Tej Pratap himself allegedly spoke during one call, suggesting no FIR could be filed against him given his political standing. Motilal Yadav, he claimed, separately warned him to keep the events of 6 June secret.

The path to the FIR was not straightforward. Akash alleged he submitted a written complaint at Patliputra police station as early as 10 June but that no case was registered at the time. He subsequently moved Patna Civil Court on 17 June, after which proceedings began and police registered the FIR. Patna ASP Divyanjali Jaiswal confirmed the complaint had been received and said investigators are now examining voice notes, call records and other material placed on record — including calls allegedly traced to a US-based number.

The controversy involving Tej Pratap and Anushka Yadav stretches back to May 2025, when a post appeared on Tej Pratap's Facebook account claiming the two had been in a relationship for twelve years. The post was deleted soon after, and Tej Pratap maintained his account had been hacked and the photographs doctored. The issue resurfaced sharply in February when Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi posted a congratulatory message on X following the reported birth of Anushka's daughter. Tej Pratap denied paternity at a press conference the same evening.

Since then, the RJD leader has alleged that a group of five individuals — naming Mukesh Roshan, Sanjay Yadav, Rameez, Shakti Singh and Sunil Singh — orchestrated a campaign to defame him by hacking his accounts and circulating manipulated content. He has described the entire episode as a bid to damage his reputation as he works toward establishing his own political platform. In a post on X, Tej Pratap called the FIR a political conspiracy.

He has also announced plans to pursue legal action against those he believes are behind the allegations, drawing a parallel with his father Lalu Prasad Yadav's legal battles. The investigation is ongoing.