JDU has suffered a big setback before Bihar elections 2025. Three big leaders including former MP Santosh Kushwaha joined RJD in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav. This step will help RJD to strengthen its hold in Magadh and Seemanchal.
Patna: The political temperature is increasing rapidly before the Bihar Assembly elections 2025. Amidst the ongoing tussle over seat sharing within the NDA, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s party JDU has suffered a major setback on Friday. Three big faces of the party, former MP, former MLA and son of the sitting MP left JDU and joined RJD. Those who joined RJD include former MP Santosh Kushwaha, former MLA Rahul Sharma and JDU MP Girdhari Yadav’s son Chanakya Prakash. The three leaders held the lantern in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav and expressed confidence in the policies of the Grand Alliance.
Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘masterstroke’
Tejashwi Yadav, while including these leaders in RJD, said, “The people of Bihar want change. Those who want to do politics of development and respect, they are coming with us. RJD’s door is open to every person who wants to stand with us in the fight for the rights of the people.” Political experts believe that this step of Tejashwi Yadav is part of the election strategy. This is not only a blow to the morale of Nitish Kumar’s party, but is also being considered a big political signal from the point of view of caste equations.
Who are these three faces?
- Santosh Kushwaha – Former MP of Purnia. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he contested against Pappu Yadav, but faced defeat. He is considered a strong Kushwaha face in the politics of Seemanchal.
- Rahul Sharma – is a former MLA from Jehanabad and son of former MP Jagdish Sharma. Jagdish Sharma has a good hold in the Bhumihar community and his family has been influential in the politics of Magadha for decades. Rahul Sharma’s joining RJD may change the equation in Bhumihar dominated seats.
- Chanakya Prakash – is the son of JDU MP Girdhari Yadav. He is active in Banka politics and is considered a young face. RJD has also indicated to give him responsibility in the organization.
New political stir in Magadha and Seemanchal
With the inclusion of these three leaders, RJD has tried to strengthen its position in two big areas, Magadh and Seemanchal. Bhumihar and Yadav communities have a decisive role in Magadha, whereas in Seemanchal, Kushwaha and minority votes are considered important. Tejashwi Yadav’s strategy is clear to break into Nitish’s traditional vote bank and create a strong local face in every area.