Patna: Ritu Jaiswal, a former senior leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and widely known as ‘Mukhiya Didi’, has announced that she will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on May 26 in Patna, marking a significant political shift ahead of the next phase of electoral activity in Bihar.
Jaiswal shared the announcement through a social media post, stating that her formal induction into the BJP would take place at the Atal Auditorium at the party’s state headquarters. According to her statement, senior BJP leaders will induct her into the party during a programme scheduled between 12:19 PM and 1:09 PM.
Appeal Against Political Showmanship
Alongside the political announcement, Jaiswal appealed to supporters to avoid large convoys and unnecessary gatherings at the event.
In her message, she cited the current “sensitive phase” in the country and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on fuel and energy conservation. She urged supporters to use public transport and shared vehicles instead of organising motorcades.
Jaiswal said politics should function as “a medium of service and responsibility” rather than an exercise in display and extravagance.
Rift With RJD Deepened After Ticket Denial
The split between Jaiswal and the RJD became more visible during the 2025 Bihar Assembly election process.
Jaiswal had previously served as the state president of the RJD women’s wing and contested the 2020 Assembly election from Parihar, where she lost narrowly. However, the party denied her a ticket for the 2025 election and instead nominated the daughter-in-law of former MP Ramchandra Purve.
Following the decision, Jaiswal contested as an independent candidate. She secured more than 60,000 votes, while the official RJD candidate finished in third position in the constituency.
The RJD later expelled her from the party for six years.
BJP Sees Organisational And Social Outreach Value
Ritu Jaiswal is regarded as a recognised grassroots figure in North Bihar, particularly for her work in rural governance and women’s leadership.
She had left a corporate career in Mumbai to serve as the Mukhiya of Singhwahini Panchayat in Sitamarhi district, a move that brought her wider public attention. Her work in village development and local administration earned her visibility beyond regional politics.
Political observers believe the BJP may position her as a prominent female face in Bihar, especially among women and younger voters. She also belongs to the Vaishya community, which holds electoral significance in several districts across North Bihar.
Her husband is a former senior government official.
Political Significance Ahead Of Bihar Elections
Jaiswal’s move comes at a time when political parties in Bihar are attempting to consolidate caste and regional support bases ahead of future electoral contests.
Her departure is likely to be viewed as a setback for the RJD’s efforts to retain influential women leaders, while potentially strengthening the BJP’s outreach among women voters and sections of the Vaishya community in the state.
