Bihar Polls: RJD Faces Major Setback as Key Leaders Defect to JDU, Citing Leadership Disillusionment

Ahead of Bihar elections, RJD suffered a major blow as several key functionaries, including former Sheikhpura District President Vijay Yadav, joined JDU. Citing disillusionment with RJD’s current leadership and lack of worker respect, they praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s development agenda, boosting JDU’s prospects in the upcoming polls.

Patna, Bihar: In a significant political development ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been dealt a substantial blow as a cohort of its former and current office-bearers, primarily from Sheikhpura district, defected to the Janata Dal (United) [JDU]. The leaders formally joined the JDU in Patna in the presence of Rural Development Minister Ashok Chaudhary, expressing profound trust in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership and vision for Bihar’s development.

The mass defection, which includes prominent figures like former RJD Sheikhpura District President Vijay Yadav, comes as a morale booster for the JDU, which believes this will strengthen its position in the upcoming polls. Minister Ashok Chaudhary welcomed the new members, stating that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s policies have “drawn a new line of development” in Bihar. He emphasized JDU’s commitment to inclusive politics and respecting its cadre.

Explaining their decision to switch allegiance, Vijay Yadav critically remarked that the RJD has strayed from its foundational principles under Lalu Prasad Yadav. “The RJD is no longer Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD,” Yadav stated, highlighting a severe lack of respect for party workers and the inaccessibility of current leader Tejashwi Yadav. He lamented the need for leaders to wait for days to meet Tejashwi and questioned his “diligence and public outreach capabilities” compared to his father.

Among others who joined JDU were former Barbiga block RJD President Kamlesh Ram, along with Bachchu Yadav, Rameshwar Yadav, Ganesh Yadav, and Shravan Yadav. This wave of resignations has reportedly cast a pall of disappointment over the RJD camp, while the JDU exudes confidence, seeing it as an affirmation of its governance and a sign of shifting political loyalties across the state.

Source: Jagran