RJD MLA Bhai Virendra. File Photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Following the results of the Bihar Assembly elections, simmering internal discord within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has now erupted into the open. A recent statement by senior party leader and MLA Bhai Virendra has further fuelled tensions within the organisation.
Launching a direct attack on the party leadership, Bhai Virendra alleged that flawed ticket distribution was the primary reason behind the RJD’s electoral defeat. He claimed that loyal workers and strong local faces were ignored, while preference was given to “outsider” candidates with little grassroots connect.
His strongest objection was over the selection of the candidate from the Dinara Assembly constituency. Questioning the decision, Bhai Virendra asked that if a Yadav candidate was to be fielded, why was the ticket of sitting MLA Vijay Mandal withdrawn. Defending Mandal, he described him as a capable and experienced leader who was unjustly sidelined. The MLA also revealed that he had personally advocated Mandal’s case before the top leadership, but his views were ignored.
Bhai Virendra further remarked that several leaders in the RJD had remained “socialists only in name”. He alleged that some individuals attempt to control political affairs across multiple districts, and that tickets are distributed based on their recommendations. This practice, he said, has severely dented the morale of dedicated party workers. Questioning the party’s strategy, he warned that unless decisions reflect ground realities rather than the wishes of a select few, the RJD’s electoral performance would not improve.
The statement has handed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a ready-made political issue. BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar launched a sharp attack on Tejashwi Yadav, stating that while he often blames EVMs or the Election Commission for defeats, his own MLA is now exposing the real reasons. According to the BJP, the infighting within the RJD highlights that the party functions on personal preferences rather than democratic values. Opposition parties are now projecting the episode as a serious question mark over Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership.
The unfolding situation has emerged as a major political challenge for Tejashwi Yadav. On one hand, he faces the task of keeping both the family and the party united; on the other, he must address the growing resentment among senior leaders. Bhai Virendra’s remarks are being seen not merely as the grievance of one individual, but as a reflection of the sentiments shared by a significant section of party workers.
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