The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is set to convene its national executive meeting in Patna on January 25, where the party will decide on a crucial leadership role: the appointment of a working president. The decision pits Tejashwi Yadav, the party’s charismatic face and current leader of the opposition in Bihar, against Misa Bharti, the eldest of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s nine children and a sitting Lok Sabha MP from Pataliputra. The outcome will shape the RJD’s internal hierarchy and its strategy ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Background and Context
Since its formation in 1997, the RJD has been led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, a former Bihar chief minister whose political legacy is intertwined with the party’s identity. However, Lalu’s advancing age and recent health concerns have sparked discussions about a second line of leadership to manage day‑to‑day affairs. The party’s internal dynamics have become more complex after the party’s performance in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, where it won only 25 seats compared to 75 in 2020. This sharp decline has intensified calls for a fresh leadership approach.
Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s son, has been the face of the RJD in recent elections and currently serves as the leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He is widely regarded as the most popular and youngest member of the party’s leadership cadre. Misa Bharti, on the other hand, has built a reputation as a disciplined parliamentarian and a strong advocate for women’s rights. Her tenure as a Lok Sabha MP has earned her respect among party workers who feel that a woman in a senior leadership position could counter the narrative that the RJD is a patriarchal organization.
In addition to the leadership tussle, the meeting will also address the replacement of Mangani Lal Mandal as the RJD’s Bihar unit president. Mandal’s tenure has been criticized for failing to make significant inroads into the extremely backward classes (EBC) vote bank, a key demographic for the party.
Key Developments
According to a spokesperson for the RJD, Chitaranjan Gagan, the national executive meeting will be held on January 25 in Patna. “Yes, the national executive meeting will be held on January 25. Besides Lalu ji, all top leaders are expected to be in attendance. Issues that are deemed important by the party leadership may be taken up for discussion,” Gagan told PTI.
Sources close to the party suggest that the decision on the working president will be taken during the meeting. The role, if created, would act as a deputy to Lalu Prasad Yadav and would be responsible for overseeing the party’s day‑to‑day operations. The position would also serve as a platform for grooming future leaders.
Tejashwi Yadav is seen as the frontrunner for the post. He has been the RJD’s chief ministerial face in the last November’s assembly elections, where the party’s tally fell sharply to 25 seats from 75 in 2020. His popularity among the youth and his experience as a former deputy chief minister make him a strong candidate. Misa Bharti, meanwhile, has been vocal about the need for women’s representation in leadership roles. “It is not a question of lack of trust in Tejashwi’s leadership. The fact is, the BJP-led NDA, our rival, has for long been trying to paint the RJD as a patriarchal organisation in which women are denied their due,” a party leader said.
Other topics on the agenda include:
- Revisiting the party’s organizational structure to address internal dissent.
- Assessing the performance of the Bihar unit under Mangani Lal Mandal.
- Formulating strategies to regain the EBC vote bank.
- Deciding on the role of senior leaders in the upcoming elections.
Impact Analysis
The RJD working president decision will have far‑reaching implications for the party’s future. A clear leadership hierarchy will help the RJD present a united front in the upcoming elections. If Tejashwi Yadav is chosen, it could signal a shift towards a more youth‑centric approach, potentially attracting younger voters. Conversely, selecting Misa Bharti could reinforce the party’s commitment to gender inclusivity and counter the narrative that the RJD is a patriarchal organization.
For students and young political aspirants, the outcome will serve as a case study on how dynastic politics can evolve. The RJD’s decision could either reinforce the legacy of the Yadav family or pave the way for a more merit‑based leadership structure. The choice will also influence the party’s outreach strategies, especially in the EBC and women’s voter segments.
From a broader perspective, the RJD’s leadership decision will affect the political balance in Bihar. The party’s performance in the next assembly elections will hinge on how effectively it can mobilize its core voter base and attract new demographics. A clear leadership structure will also help the RJD coordinate with its allies and manage intra‑party conflicts.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Political analysts suggest that the RJD should prioritize transparency in its decision‑making process. “The party must communicate the criteria for selecting a working president clearly to avoid internal friction,” says Dr. Anil Kumar, a professor of political science at Patna University. “A transparent process will also enhance the party’s credibility among voters.”
For party workers and students interested in politics, the following tips can help navigate the evolving landscape:
- Stay Informed: Follow official party announcements and credible news outlets to keep abreast of leadership changes.
- Engage in Grassroots Activities: Volunteer for local campaigns to understand the party’s operational dynamics.
- Build a Diverse Network: Connect with leaders from different factions to gain a holistic view of the party’s direction.
- Advocate for Meritocracy: Encourage the party to base leadership appointments on performance and public service rather than lineage alone.
- Leverage Digital Platforms: Use social media to disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation.
Students studying political science can use the RJD’s leadership debate as a practical example of party politics, dynastic influence, and the role of gender in leadership positions. Analyzing the RJD working president decision can provide insights into how political parties balance tradition with modern governance demands.
Looking Ahead
The national executive meeting on January 25 will be a turning point for the RJD. If Tejashwi Yadav secures the working president role, the party may adopt a more aggressive campaign strategy, focusing on youth engagement and digital outreach. A Misa Bharti appointment could lead to a renewed emphasis on women’s issues and social welfare programs.
Regardless of the outcome, the RJD will need to address the underlying issues that led to its electoral decline. Strengthening organizational discipline, improving candidate selection, and enhancing voter outreach will be critical. The party’s ability to adapt to changing political dynamics will determine its success in the next Bihar assembly elections.
As the RJD prepares for the upcoming elections, the working president decision will set the tone for its future trajectory. The party’s leadership will need to balance legacy, performance, and inclusivity to regain voter confidence and secure a stronger foothold in Bihar’s political landscape.
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