Patna: A political storm has erupted within Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family following the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s defeat in the Bihar election, with Sanjay Yadav, a close aide of Tejashwi Yadav, emerging as the most contentious figure in the crisis.
The tension escalated after Rohini Acharya, Lalu’s US-based daughter who once donated a kidney to her father, announced her retirement from politics and said she was severing ties with the family. In a dramatic post, she claimed that RJD Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav and Tejashwi confidant Rameez had urged her to take the step.
Her statement has deepened long-standing internal rivalries, bringing old allegations and personal rifts back to the surface.
Tej Pratap’s long hostility: ‘Jaichand’ jibe returns
For years, Tej Pratap Yadav has publicly accused Sanjay Yadav of meddling in party decisions, frequently referring to him as “Jaichand” — a metaphor for betrayal.
A recent video of Tej Pratap repeating the jibe went viral, reigniting debates about power circles within the RJD.
Following the defeat, Tej Pratap criticised both the party leadership and his brother Tejashwi, and again took indirect shots at Sanjay, writing:
“The Jaichands have hollowed out the RJD. That’s why Tejashwi has failed today.”
Who is Sanjay Yadav? Behind the rise of Tejashwi’s political strategist
Sanjay Yadav, born on February 24, 1984 in Nangal Sirohi village in Mahendragarh, Haryana, is widely regarded as Tejashwi Yadav’s most trusted strategist.
An MSc and MBA graduate in computer science, he worked with multiple multinational companies in Delhi before entering politics. Known for his strong interest in data analysis and electoral strategy, he first met Tejashwi in Delhi over a decade ago. Their professional relationship evolved into a close political partnership, with Sanjay becoming the most influential figure in the RJD after the Lalu family.
Over the years, he has been associated with several major decisions taken by Tejashwi — a role that has made him indispensable to some and controversial to others.
Who is Rameez? The other name in Rohini’s explosive post
Rohini also named Rameez, a political associate believed to be close to Tejashwi.
Rameez hails from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, and is reportedly linked to the family of former MP Rizwan Zaheer. Like Sanjay, he is considered part of Tejashwi’s inner circle.
His sudden mention in Rohini’s resignation post has raised new questions about the influence of external advisers on the RJD leadership.
A defeat that has shaken the first family of Bihar politics
The RJD’s poor performance in the election has amplified strains within the Yadav family, with multiple members publicly airing frustration and grief.
For Tejashwi, the turmoil comes at a particularly vulnerable moment, as both supporters and critics within the party seek accountability.
