Tejashwi Yadav Named RJD Working President Amid Family Feud and Rohini’s Conspiracy Claims

In a dramatic turn of events that lays bare the simmering tensions within one of Bihar’s most powerful political families, Tejashwi Yadav has officially been named the RJD Working President. The announcement, made at the party’s national executive meeting in Patna on Sunday, January 25, 2026, was a moment of triumph for the younger son of party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Yet, the celebration was short-lived. Hours before the gavel fell, Tejashwi’s sister, Rohini Acharya, launched a scathing public attack, accusing unnamed “infiltrators and conspirators” of hijacking the party her father built. This isn’t just a routine leadership change; it’s a high-stakes family drama playing out on the national political stage, with the future of “Laluvad” hanging in the balance.

The Official Handover: Tejashwi Steps into the Spotlight
Sister Rohini’s Explosive Allegations of a Conspiracy
Why the RJD Working President Role Matters
Lalu’s Shadow and Health Challenges
What This Means for Bihar’s Political Future
Conclusion: A Family and Party at a Crossroads
Sources

The Official Handover: Tejashwi Steps into the Spotlight

The Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) national executive meeting in Patna was always going to be historic. With its founder, Lalu Prasad Yadav, facing significant health and legal challenges, the party needed a clear, operational leader for the future . The choice was never in doubt: Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, has been the de facto face of the party for years .

On Sunday, that status was formalized. In a symbolic and powerful gesture, Lalu Prasad himself, alongside his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, presided over the announcement that named Tejashwi as the RJD Working President . This title grants him the authority to manage the party’s day-to-day affairs, make strategic decisions, and lead its political campaigns, effectively becoming the chief executive officer of the RJD machinery .

This move is widely seen as a necessary step to ensure a smooth leadership transition and to present a united, youthful front ahead of crucial state and national elections. For Tejashwi, it’s the culmination of a journey from a promising young leader to the undisputed heir apparent .

Sister Rohini’s Explosive Allegations of a Conspiracy

Just as the party faithful were preparing to celebrate, a bombshell dropped from an unexpected quarter. Lalu Prasad’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, took to social media hours before the meeting to issue a stark warning. She alleged that the control of the RJD had slipped into the “hands of infiltrators and conspirators” whose sole aim was to destroy the very foundation of “Laluvad”—the political ideology centered on social justice for the marginalized that her father championed .

Rohini’s statement was not just a critique of outsiders but seemed to point to internal betrayal. She lamented that those who speak up for the party’s original values are met with disrespect and are being pushed out . While she did not name names, her timing and the specific language used have sent shockwaves through the party, suggesting a deep and bitter rift within the Yadav family itself. This is not her first public expression of discontent, following a series of emotional posts after the party’s performance in recent elections .

Why the RJD Working President Role Matters

Understanding the significance of this appointment is key to grasping the current power dynamics. Here’s a breakdown of what the RJD Working President role entails:

Operational Control: Manages the party’s daily administrative and organizational functions.
Strategic Leadership: Leads election strategy, candidate selection, and alliance-building efforts.
Public Face: Serves as the primary spokesperson and representative of the party in the media and public forums.
Succession Planning: This role is the clearest signal of who is being groomed to take over as the national president in the future.

For the RJD, a party built on a strong personal legacy, this position is more than just a title—it’s the mantle of the next generation. Tejashwi’s appointment is a definitive statement that he is now in the driver’s seat .

Lalu’s Shadow and Health Challenges

Lalu Prasad Yadav, the founder and national president of the RJD since its inception in 1997, remains a towering figure whose influence is inescapable . However, his active role in politics has been severely curtailed in recent years due to a combination of age, ongoing legal battles, and serious health issues .

Doctors have reportedly advised him to avoid stress and rest, limiting his ability to engage in the demanding world of active politics . This reality has forced the party to look towards the future. While Lalu will remain the symbolic head and the ultimate source of legitimacy, the practical burden of leading the party forward now rests squarely on Tejashwi’s shoulders . The Sunday meeting was, in many ways, a public acknowledgment of this new reality.

What This Means for Bihar’s Political Future

This internal drama has far-reaching implications for Bihar’s political landscape. On one hand, a strong, centralized leadership under Tejashwi could help the RJD consolidate its base and mount a more effective challenge against the ruling NDA alliance. His energetic style and focus on youth connect well with a large segment of the electorate.

On the other hand, the public feud with his sister Rohini exposes a dangerous vulnerability. It raises questions about party unity and the potential for further fragmentation. If the perception grows that the party is being run by a small, insular group disconnected from its grassroots or its founding principles, it could alienate loyal supporters who are the bedrock of “Laluvad” . The opposition will undoubtedly seek to exploit this visible crack in the RJD’s armor.

Conclusion: A Family and Party at a Crossroads

The appointment of Tejashwi Yadav as the RJD Working President is a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the party. It is a necessary step for its survival and growth in a post-Lalu era. However, the simultaneous and very public protest from his sister Rohini Acharya has cast a long shadow over this transition. The RJD now faces a dual challenge: to project strength and unity under its new operational leader while simultaneously healing a deep and potentially damaging family rift. The success of Tejashwi’s leadership may well depend on his ability to navigate this complex personal and political minefield. For now, the battle for the soul of the RJD appears to be as much an internal family affair as it is a fight for political power in Bihar.