Tejashwi Yadav elevated as RJD national working president as party formalises leadership transition
RJD has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as its national working president, a new role that strengthens his grip over organisational decisions and signals a generational shift under party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. The move comes amid internal family friction, with sister Rohini Acharya publicly alleging that ‘infiltrators’ have gained influence in the party.
RJD creates and fills a key post
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as the party’s National Working President, in a move widely read as the formal consolidation of his leadership role under party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. The decision was reported on Sunday, 25 January 2026, after the party’s national executive meeting in Patna.
The appointment effectively elevates the younger Yadav into a position designed to handle day-to-day organisational and strategic responsibilities, as the party seeks to recalibrate amid a challenging political landscape in Bihar.
Why the change matters
The new designation is significant because it signals a generational transition at the top of the RJD, with Tejashwi’s role expected to expand control over organisational structure, routine decision-making, and election preparation. In practical terms, it is meant to create a clearer line of authority within the party as it plans its next phase.
Family tensions spill into public view
The elevation has also highlighted internal fault-lines within the Yadav family. Tejashwi’s sister Rohini Acharya has publicly criticised the party’s direction, alleging that influence has moved into the hands of ‘infiltrators and conspirators’ and suggesting that accountability was not being addressed after recent political setbacks.
The episode underscores the balancing act the party faces: projecting unity and stability while managing internal criticism from within its most visible political family.
What to watch
- Whether RJD announces structural changes to match the new role, including appointments of key office-bearers.
- How the party positions Tejashwi nationally versus keeping his focus largely on Bihar.
- Whether internal dissent translates into organisational churn or rival faction-building ahead of future elections.