Tejashwi Matches Lalu’s Authority in RJD: Gains Control Over Symbols and Candidate Selection as Lalu Declares Bihar Election Preparations

Patna: In a major development within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has been granted the same authority as party supremo Lalu Prasad. The decision, made during the party’s national executive meeting in Patna on Saturday, gives Tejashwi control over crucial decisions, including candidate selection and election symbols. Effectively, Tejashwi will now steer the party’s affairs independently.

Addressing party members at the meeting, Lalu said, “The election bugle has been blown. Begin preparations.”

Following the meeting, RJD national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha announced that the dates for the party’s organizational elections have been finalized. Elections will be held at all levels, from panchayat to state posts. Ramchandra Purbe has been appointed Chief Electoral Officer, with state spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan as his deputy.

When asked about the absence of state president Jagdanand Singh, Jha dismissed speculations, stating, “Everything is normal in the party. There are no issues.”

The meeting was attended by key leaders, including Lalu, Tejashwi, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, Rabri Devi, and Rohini Acharya, along with other party members. However, Jagdanand Singh and his son, MP Sudhakar Singh, were notably absent.

Reports suggest that Jagdanand Singh has been dissatisfied since the party’s defeat in recent by-elections and has not visited the party office. He is said to have requested to be relieved from his position as state president, citing health issues. Meanwhile, Sudhakar Singh is reportedly in Mumbai, further fueling speculation about internal discord within the party.