Patna, June 23, 2025 — Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, the veteran face of socialist politics in Bihar, filed his nomination papers on Monday to seek re-election as the party’s national president, continuing his unbroken stint at the top since the party’s inception in 1997.

The event, held at the RJD headquarters in Patna, was marked by a display of loyalty and emotional fervor, as thousands of party workers gathered to greet the ailing but iconic leader. Lalu, 78, was accompanied by wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav, the current Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

Symbol of Continuity Amid Transition

Although Lalu Prasad's health has declined significantly in recent years — including long periods of hospitalization due to kidney issues, diabetes, and heart conditions — his grip on the party's leadership remains unchallenged. His nomination comes at a crucial time as the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections inch closer.

Despite frailty, Lalu greeted party workers with folded hands and a faint smile as supporters showered him with slogans of “Lalu Zindabad” and “Tejashwi Bhavishya Hai”. His brief but impactful appearance energized a cadre that still sees him as the soul of the party.

Party sources confirm that Lalu’s re-election is a mere formality, given no contender has filed against him, and the RJD constitution allows consensus-based selection when only one nomination is received.

Tejashwi: The Heir in Waiting

Tejashwi Yadav, who has been leading the RJD's legislative front, was visibly emotional during the filing. He told reporters,

“A wave of delight has swept across the party. Lalu ji remains our moral compass. Under his vision, RJD will triumph.”

Notably, Tejashwi has emerged as the chief strategist and face of the RJD in electoral battles, especially since Lalu’s conviction in multiple fodder scam cases. He has led campaigns across Bihar in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, and the 2024 General Elections, often outperforming expectations.

Yet, even as Tejashwi takes on more responsibilities, the official transition of power within the RJD is slow. Lalu remains the symbolic authority, one who connects with older generations and backward caste blocs with unparalleled rustic charisma.

Rabri Devi: Silent Backbone

Former CM Rabri Devi, who had once assumed the reins of Bihar under controversial but loyal circumstances in 1997 when Lalu was jailed, was also present at the nomination event. Although she rarely speaks in public these days, her presence was a symbolic nod to the Yadav family’s unified political front.

Party Cadre Energized, Election Preparedness Begins

Last week, at the RJD State Council Meeting held in Patna, Lalu had made a rousing call to the cadre:

“Get ready to make Tejashwi the next Chief Minister of Bihar.”

That declaration is being interpreted as a formal anointment, even if symbolic. Several district-level RJD leaders have reportedly begun building election teams, booth committees, and mobilization drives under Tejashwi’s command.

A party insider told this reporter,

“While Lalu ji is filing nomination as president, everyone knows Tejashwi is leading the charge. This is our dual-power strategy — charisma at the top, energy on the ground.”

RJD's Current Strength and 2025 Strategy

As of June 2025, the RJD is the single-largest party in Bihar, with 79 seats in the 243-member Assembly. The JD(U)-BJP alliance leads the state with a slim majority, but faces growing anti-incumbency, especially in rural pockets.

RJD leaders have hinted at expanding alliances with Left parties, smaller OBC-centric parties, and possibly Congress, although talks are in early stages.

The party’s core strategy revolves around:

• Caste consolidation (Yadav-Muslim equation)

• Welfare plank promises like unemployment allowance, student stipends

• Tejashwi’s clean image and youth appeal

• Using Lalu’s nostalgia factor in backward-class regions

Lalu’s Legal and Health Challenges Remain

Though out on bail on health grounds, Lalu Prasad remains convicted in multiple fodder scam cases. He has served prison terms in Ranchi and Delhi over the past decade.

In February 2025, Lalu underwent a second dialysis cycle and spent weeks at AIIMS Delhi. Yet, his doctors have said he can travel short distances and attend brief events, which is why Monday’s nomination was a carefully timed outing.

Legal experts suggest his presidency is not in direct conflict with the conviction, as the role is internal to the party and not a constitutional office. However, he cannot contest elections or hold public office unless his conviction is overturned.

Reactions Across Political Circles

• BJP’s Bihar spokesperson Arvind Kumar reacted sharply:

  “The RJD has no future. A convicted man heading a party and promoting dynastic rule — this is their model.”

• Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil struck a supportive tone:

  “Lalu ji is a senior-most socialist voice. We wish him well. His guidance is crucial for secular unity.”

• Political analyst Ajay Kumar said:

  “It’s a soft handover moment. Lalu retains symbolic control, but Tejashwi is now the executive face. This structure may help them avoid factionalism before elections.”

What Happens Next?

The RJD's internal election process is expected to conclude by early July, after which Lalu Prasad will be officially declared re-elected as party president. Sources say a major reshuffle of district and state units will follow, with Tejashwi expected to install loyalists ahead of the Assembly battle.

The next big move will be the RJD’s election manifesto, likely to be released in October 2025, in which Tejashwi is expected to unveil a Bihar Vision 2030 plan.

Conclusion

Lalu Prasad’s re-nomination as RJD president is not just a political routine but a symbolic gesture of continuity — a way of saying the torch is still lit, even if the bearer is ageing.

As the RJD sharpens its arsenal for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the sight of Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav standing together has reinvigorated its base — a picture of legacy, emotion, and hope all at once.

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