Patna: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is set to welcome a new entrant ahead of the assembly polls, as Dr Sanjeev Kumar, JD(U) legislator from Parbatta, prepares to switch sides. Kumar will join the party on October 3 at a rally in Gogri Bhagwan High School grounds, where RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav will induct him.
Party insiders view the move as a significant setback for the JD(U), as Kumar, a Bhumihar leader, has influence in both his caste and constituency. His defection could give the RJD a foothold among Bhumihar voters, particularly in Parbatta, where Kumar narrowly defeated RJD’s Digambar Prasad Tiwari by just 951 votes in 2020.
Kumar has been vocal in his dissatisfaction with the JD(U) leadership, often criticising senior leaders and alleging a conspiracy to sideline him. He also faced an FIR from JD(U) MLA Sudhanshu Shekhar, who accused him of attempting to break away party legislators—charges Kumar dismissed as fabricated.
His strained relations with senior JD(U) figure Ashok Chaudhary further fuelled speculation about his exit. Kumar opposed Chaudhary’s elevation to national general secretary, calling it “unfortunate.”
With Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA in January 2024, Kumar’s discomfort with the party grew more apparent. His move to the RJD is expected to intensify the battle for upper-caste votes in Bihar, traditionally a weak spot for the party.
