Tiwari resigned from the RJD on July 16, ending his long association with the party. Although RJD state president Mangani Lal Mandal had kept his resignation on hold until Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav returned from an overseas visit, Tiwari made it clear that the time for discussions had passed.

Why Did Mrityunjay Tiwari Quit RJD?

While announcing his resignation, Tiwari levelled sharp criticism against the RJD leadership and the party's internal functioning. He alleged that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by individuals who were weakening the party from within.

Tiwari said that despite working loyally for the RJD for years, he was repeatedly ignored and humiliated. He also claimed that he had raised his concerns with senior party leaders and Tejashwi Yadav, but his grievances were not addressed.

A Trusted Face of Lalu Prasad Yadav

Mrityunjay Tiwari was considered one of the RJD's most vocal and loyal leaders. In 2014, during one of the party's most challenging political phases, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav appointed him as the party's media in-charge and spokesperson.

Over the years, Tiwari became one of the party's strongest voices in television debates and press conferences. Unlike the RJD's traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) social base, he was regarded as one of the party's leading Brahmin faces, helping it reach sections of upper-caste voters.

BJP Move Was Widely Anticipated

Speculation about Tiwari joining the BJP began immediately after his resignation. The rumours gained momentum after a photograph of him with BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya surfaced the following day.

Several BJP leaders also publicly welcomed the possibility of his joining, describing him as an experienced and committed political leader.

Political Impact on RJD

Tiwari's exit is seen as a significant setback for the RJD, particularly ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election. Losing a senior spokesperson just before an important electoral contest could affect the party's campaign strategy.

His departure may also weaken Tejashwi Yadav's efforts to project the RJD as an "A to Z" party representing all social groups. As one of the party's most recognizable Brahmin leaders, Tiwari's switch to the BJP is expected to strengthen the BJP's outreach among upper-caste voters while posing a political challenge for the RJD.