Patna: On the 28th foundation day of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday, party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav made a significant announcement from a public platform, declaring that his son, Tejashwi Yadav, will now lead the party and form the next government in Bihar. This marks a pivotal moment in RJD’s history, as Tejashwi is set to take over the reins from his father.
The celebration, held in Patna, prominently featured images of Lalu, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav on posters and banners. Notably absent from the stage and promotional materials were other family members, such as Misa Bharti and Tej Pratap Yadav, signaling a clear focus on Tejashwi’s leadership.
In a symbolic gesture, Abhay Kushwaha, RJD’s Parliamentary Party leader in the Lok Sabha, placed a silver crown on both Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav, underscoring the transfer of leadership within the party.
During the event, Tejashwi Yadav delivered a 26-minute speech outlining RJD’s future agenda. He emphasized the need for party discipline and urged MPs, MLAs, councillors, and workers to engage with the public and unite people across caste and religious lines.
Chittaranjan Gagan, a member of the party’s drafting committee and the current state spokesperson, noted that Tejashwi had already been declared the leader by the National Council. “The national president has made this public today. Lalu Prasad is our guardian and the national president of the party,” Gagan stated.
Tejashwi Yadav has previously demonstrated his leadership abilities, notably during the 2020 assembly elections and the recent parliamentary elections, where he led the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar within the INDIA Alliance. His work over the past 17 months has garnered national attention and earned the trust and faith of the younger generation.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s public endorsement of Tejashwi reflects the widespread sentiment within the party and among its supporters. As Tejashwi steps into his new role, the RJD looks poised to continue its legacy under his leadership.
