The corridors of power in Patna are buzzing with anticipation. On January 25, 2026, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will hold a pivotal national executive meeting that could reshape the party’s future for a generation . At the heart of this gathering is a single, burning question: who will be appointed the national working president? The two names dominating the conversation are the party’s current face, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and his sister, Misa Bharti. This isn’t just a routine organizational decision; it’s a full-blown RJD leadership crisis that will determine the course of Bihar’s main opposition party.
With the party patriarch, Lalu Prasad Yadav, facing significant health and legal challenges that limit his active role, the need for a formal, empowered leadership structure has never been more urgent . The outcome of this meeting will signal whether the RJD is ready to fully embrace a new generation or if internal family dynamics will complicate its path forward.
Table of Contents
- The Stakes of the January 25 Meeting
- Tejashwi Yadav: The Heir Apparent
- Misa Bharti: A Formidable Contender?
- Lalu Prasad’s Shadow and the Succession Plan
- Why This RJD Leadership Crisis Matters for Bihar
- Conclusion: A New Chapter for the RJD
- Sources
The Stakes of the January 25 Meeting
The RJD national executive meeting is not a mere formality. It is a constitutional necessity to address the vacuum created by Lalu Prasad’s absence from day-to-day affairs. The creation of a ‘working president’ post is a strategic move to install a leader with the full authority to make decisions, manage alliances, and spearhead the party’s strategy against the ruling NDA in Bihar .
Party sources have strongly indicated that Tejashwi Yadav is the overwhelming favorite for the role . However, the very fact that his sister Misa Bharti’s name is being floated in the same breath has added a layer of complexity and intrigue to what should have been a straightforward succession. This public speculation has fueled the narrative of an RJD leadership crisis, turning an internal party matter into a major political event.
Tejashwi Yadav: The Heir Apparent
For all practical purposes, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has been the de facto leader of the RJD for several years. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, he is the party’s most visible and vocal figure . His energetic campaign style, direct connection with the youth, and his role as the chief strategist during elections have cemented his position as the party’s future.
His appointment as the national working president would be a formal recognition of this reality. It would grant him the official mandate to overhaul the party organization, negotiate with potential allies, and build a robust anti-NDA front. Most analysts and insiders see this as the logical and inevitable next step, a move that would “institutionalise the generational shift” within the party .
Misa Bharti: A Formidable Contender?
While Tejashwi is the frontrunner, the mention of Misa Bharti cannot be dismissed as mere rumor. She is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP and has been a loyal and active member of the party. Her name entering the conversation may reflect a desire within certain sections of the family or the party to ensure a balance of power or to give her a more prominent platform.
However, there is little concrete evidence to suggest a serious challenge to Tejashwi’s ascension. The narrative of “Tejashwi vs Misa Bharti” appears to be more of a media-driven storyline than a genuine internal contest . It’s more likely that her role will be elevated in a different capacity, perhaps as a key spokesperson or head of a crucial party committee, to acknowledge her contributions without creating a parallel power center.
Lalu Prasad’s Shadow and the Succession Plan
Any discussion about the RJD’s future is inseparable from its founder, Lalu Prasad Yadav. His charismatic leadership built the party from the ground up, and his legacy remains its strongest asset. Yet, his prolonged absence due to health issues and ongoing legal battles has left the party in a state of limbo .
The January 25 meeting is, in essence, the party’s attempt to manage this difficult transition. The goal is to honor Lalu Prasad’s legacy while empowering a new leader to adapt to the changing political landscape of Bihar. The challenge for the RJD is to execute this handover smoothly, ensuring that the party’s core identity is preserved even as its leadership evolves.
Why This RJD Leadership Crisis Matters for Bihar
The resolution of the RJD leadership crisis has far-reaching implications beyond the party itself. A strong, unified, and decisive RJD under a clear leader like Tejashwi Yadav would present a formidable challenge to the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the next state elections. It would force a realignment of political forces and give voters a credible alternative.
Conversely, a messy or contested leadership process could further weaken the opposition, allowing the NDA to consolidate its hold on the state. For the people of Bihar, the strength of the opposition is crucial for a healthy democracy, ensuring that the government is held accountable. Therefore, the events of January 25th are not just about party politics; they are about the future of governance in Bihar.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the RJD
All signs point to Tejashwi Yadav being formally anointed as the RJD’s national working president on January 25th. This move is less about a contest and more about a long-overdue consolidation of authority. While the “Tejashwi vs Misa Bharti” angle makes for a compelling headline, the party’s primary objective is stability and a clear chain of command. By resolving its RJD leadership crisis, the party hopes to turn the page on a period of uncertainty and launch a new, more aggressive phase in its fight for Bihar’s political soul.
Sources
- Times of India: Tejashwi vs Misa Bharti? RJD national executive meeting on Jan 25; to decide ‘working president’
- The New Indian Express: Tejashwi likely to be made RJD working prez
- OneIndia: Tejashwi Yadav vs Misa Bharti? RJD national executive meeting on Jan 25
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