Patna: The political temperature in Bihar has risen ahead of the formal announcement of Rashtriya Janata Dal’s new national president, as reports suggest Lalu Prasad Yadav is set to return to the top post. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that reinstating a convicted leader signals both moral failure and democratic decay within the party.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha reacted strongly to the development, stating, “If Lalu becomes the national president again, RJD’s downfall is certain.” He questioned the party’s judgment in elevating a convicted leader repeatedly. “Is there no leader with a clean image in RJD? This is not just political negligence, it’s an insult to the constitution and democracy,” he said.
Vijay urged RJD to consider a leader with a corruption-free reputation. “If the party wants to survive, it must move beyond its dependence on a tainted legacy,” he added.
Political strategist and Jan Suraj convener Prashant Kishor also weighed in, taking a jibe at RJD’s dynastic tendencies. “It’s a family party — as long as Lalu is alive, he will be president. After him, it will be Tejashwi,” Prashant said. He further added that if Lalu ever supports a leader outside his family as chief ministerial candidate, Jan Suraj would extend its support.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui, RJD’s national general secretary, had earlier confirmed that the election process for the party president has begun and that a formal announcement will be made on July 5. He added that Lalu remains the central figure in the party, with every major decision taken only after his approval.
