The Rohini-Tejashwi dispute in the Lalu family has exposed the internal discord of RJD. This has dented Tejashwi’s leadership image and there is a danger of the 14% Yadav vote bank getting shattered. This could lead to rebellion in the party and challenge to the leadership.
The recent dispute between Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has created a new uproar in the politics of Bihar. The open controversy on social media has not only exposed the internal discord of the Lalu family, but has also raised questions on Tejashwi’s political image. Political analysts believe that this matter can prove to be harmful for both Tejashwi and RJD in the future. This dispute can cause harm on three major levels…
Big blow to personal image and leadership ability
Experts believe that letting the controversy become public raises questions on Tejashwi’s maturity. According to political experts, “If Tejashwi, like a mature leader, had resolved this within the family, the situation would not have been so serious. This controversy has put a question mark on his leadership ability and emotional management.”
Rohini Acharya had set an example of sacrifice and sensitivity among the people by donating a kidney to her father. In such a situation, his angry separation from the party and family weakens Tejashwi’s sensitive leadership image among the public.
Danger of disintegration of Yadav vote bank
The Yadav community in Bihar is around 14% and the electoral backbone of RJD rests on this community. After Lalu, Tejashwi was emerging as the biggest face of this society, but family disunity and leadership dispute can create new equations. Tej Pratap has already publicly claimed to be the heir and now if he becomes more politically active and dissident, it could increase factionalization within the Yadavs.
Analysts argue that BJP was already trying to break into the Yadav vote bank through strong Yadav leaders like Nand Kishore Yadav, Nityanand Rai, Ramkripal Yadav, Naval Kishore. Now if Tej Pratap plays an anti-opposition role or takes a different line, then this effort can become stronger.
Rebellion within the party and leadership challenge
The election defeat and now internal disputes have increased dissatisfaction among the RJD cadre and senior leaders. Many old leaders including senior leaders Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Fatima Rehman, Shivanand Tiwari have expressed indirect displeasure in recent months. This dissatisfaction has intensified due to the increasing role of Sanjay Yadav and the kitchen-cabinet model. If Tej Pratap pushes the line of the “real heir” and presents himself as an active alternative, the angry and dissatisfied leaders of the party may lean towards him.
The Rohini controversy is not just an emotional family issue, but it affects all four: political brand, cadre trust, vote bank stability and leadership ability. If this dispute prolongs and Tejashwi is not able to take control, then in the coming years, RJD’s political strength to future legacy fight may be affected. In short, the loss is not just of image, but is a possible game of organization, votes and future.