Patna: The Rashtriya Janata Dal has appointed Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as its national working president, creating the post for the first time in the party’s history as it seeks to formalise a second line of leadership. The decision was taken at a meeting of the RJD’s national executive in Patna on Sunday, attended by senior leaders including Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Misa Bharti.
The announcement was made by the party’s Bihar president, Mangani Lal Mandal, after a proposal moved by Bhola Yadav was endorsed by executive members through a show of hands. Party sources said the move was taken at Lalu Prasad’s behest and reflected a broad consensus among leaders that Tejashwi should take charge of day-to-day organisational affairs. Lalu Prasad later handed over the appointment certificate to his son, marking a symbolic transfer of authority.
The RJD described the decision as the beginning of a “new era” in a post on social media, underscoring the significance of naming a working president while retaining Lalu Prasad as the party’s supremo. Founded in 1997 after Lalu Prasad split from the Janata Dal, the RJD has until now operated without a formal deputy or working president.
एक नए युग का शुभारंभ!
श्री @yadavtejashwi जी बनाए गए राष्ट्रीय जनता दल के कार्यकारी अध्यक्ष! @yadavtejashwi pic.twitter.com/BLFvzXJsJh
— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) January 25, 2026
The leadership change follows the party’s crushing defeat in the Bihar assembly elections last year, after which the national executive was convened to review strategy and organisation. With Lalu Prasad now over 80 and in fragile health, party insiders have long argued for a clear succession framework to manage the RJD’s national and state operations.
State presidents from more than 20 states and members of the national executive attended the Patna meeting, where future political strategy and the broader national situation were also discussed. Leaders present described Tejashwi Yadav as the party’s future and said the appointment would help streamline decision-making and revive organisational momentum.
The move drew a sharp reaction from the Janata Dal (United). JDU state chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar mocked the appointment, calling the RJD a “family party” and alleging that handing the reins to another family member underscored dynastic politics. He also cited pending legal cases against Tejashwi Yadav, questioning the party’s choice.
