7 June 2025
Introduction
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is one of the prominent political parties in the state of Bihar and has played a significant role in the political landscape of northern India. Founded by Lalu Prasad Yadav, the party emerged as a breakaway faction from the Janata Dal in the late 1990s, reflecting internal ideological and leadership conflicts.
Formation
The RJD was formally launched on July 5, 1997 by Lalu Prasad Yadav. The party was born out of a split in the Janata Dal, mainly due to differences between Lalu Prasad and other party leaders after his involvement in the Fodder Scam. When Lalu was forced to resign as the Chief Minister of Bihar, he chose to float his own party and maintain his political base.
Political Ideology and Base
The RJD has primarily followed a centre-left ideology with a focus on social justice, secularism, and empowerment of backward castes and minorities. The party has drawn significant support from the Yadavs, Muslims, and other backward classes (OBCs) in Bihar. Lalu Prasad's charisma and his advocacy for the marginalized made the RJD a formidable force in state and national politics.
Electoral Performance
- 1998 & 1999 Lok Sabha Elections: The RJD secured a substantial number of seats from Bihar.
- 2000 Bihar Assembly Elections: RJD formed the government in alliance with others.
- 2005 Elections: Marked the decline of RJD as the NDA under Nitish Kumar rose to prominence.
- 2015 Bihar Assembly Elections: The RJD made a strong comeback by allying with JD(U) and Congress, forming the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
- 2020 Elections: The RJD emerged as the single largest party in Bihar Assembly but failed to form the government.
Leadership and Succession
With Lalu Prasad facing legal challenges due to corruption charges, the leadership of the party has gradually transitioned to his son Tejashwi Yadav, who has taken up the mantle of opposition leader in Bihar and represents the new face of RJD.
Controversies and Criticisms
The RJD has faced significant criticism, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s, when Bihar was often described as suffering from Jungle Raj under its rule. The term referred to widespread lawlessness, poor governance, and a breakdown of public order, including high crime rates and political patronage.
One of the most controversial issues associated with this period was booth capturing during elections — a practice where muscle power was used to take over polling booths and manipulate voting outcomes. These incidents contributed to the party's reputation for lawlessness and led to widespread criticism from civil society and political opponents.
Despite these controversies, the RJD continued to maintain strong grassroots support, especially among marginalized communities.
Comeback and Recent Developments
The formation of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in 2015 with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Congress marked a strategic realignment in Bihar politics. Though the alliance broke in 2017, RJD, under Tejashwi Yadav, has emerged as a strong opposition force. In the 2020 elections, despite not securing power, the party saw a significant rise in youth support, driven by Tejashwi’s campaign focusing on jobs and governance. His performance as the opposition leader has brought renewed energy and relevance to the RJD.
Significance
RJD continues to play a crucial role in Bihar politics with a focus on issues such as social justice employment reservation and secularism. It stands as a counterweight to the BJP-led NDA, particularly in terms of mobilizing backward castes and minority communities.
Conclusion
From its formation in the shadow of political crisis to becoming a central player in Bihar politics, RJD has maintained its relevance through a combination of grassroots appeal, caste-based mobilization, and shifting alliances. Under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership, the party aims to reinvent itself for contemporary political challenges while holding on to its ideological roots.
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