Patna: An internal debate has surfaced within the Rashtriya Janata Dal after its recent electoral setback, with Maner MLA Bhai Birendra openly holding the party leadership responsible for the defeat in the Bihar assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Birendra alleged that some leaders within the party were “selling everything”, a charge he said had damaged the organisation from within. He argued that the RJD needed to rid itself of such elements if it hoped to recover politically. At the same time, he was careful to dismiss any suggestion of rebellion, insisting that his remarks were intended to strengthen, not weaken, the party.
Birendra claimed that the leadership’s decision to place one individual in charge of several districts had harmed organisational cohesion. He also raised sharp questions about ticket distribution, saying local and influential leaders were ignored in favour of candidates from other districts. “Such decisions cost the party dearly and prevented it from making the impact it should have,” he said.
The MLA said he had already discussed his concerns with Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the RJD’s senior leader, and added that Tejashwi had assured him the issues would be addressed at an appropriate time through internal deliberations.
The comments drew an immediate response from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said the RJD’s own legislators were now questioning its ticket distribution system, and argued that Tejashwi Yadav should publicly answer the charges.
Birendra’s remarks underline the unease within the RJD as it assesses its performance and leadership choices after the polls, with party insiders signalling that organisational restructuring and internal reviews may be unavoidable in the months ahead.
