Tejashwi Yadav Rejects Opposition Leader Post, Deepens Lalu Family Rift

Tejashwi Yadav has reportedly turned down the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly after taking moral responsibility for the party's disappointing performance in the state elections. He later agreed to reconsider only after strong intervention from his father and RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Tejashwi Expresses Desire to Work as MLA

Sources revealed that during a review meeting, the 36 year old leader stated he wished to continue as a regular MLA rather than head the opposition in the House. He said he was owning up to the party's poor performance in the polls. The RJD, once the single largest party in 2020, managed to secure only 25 seats this time which is 50 fewer than its earlier tally.

His request to step aside was not accepted as Lalu Yadav insisted he must stay in the leadership role and continue guiding the party in the Assembly. Senior party members present at the meeting also expressed their support for Tejashwi.

Acknowledges Father as Party Founder and Mentor

Tejashwi reportedly reminded party leaders that the RJD was built by Lalu Yadav and that he continues to function under his guidance. "I am handling the party's affairs on his orders. I tried very hard in this election but was unsuccessful" he said, as quoted by sources.

Support for Trusted Aide Sanjay Yadav

He strongly defended Sanjay Yadav, a Rajya Sabha MP and close aide, after his name surfaced during the internal family tensions. According to sources, Tejashwi said blaming Sanjay Yadav for the electoral setback was incorrect and unfair. Sanjay Yadav has been closely involved in the party's campaign planning, candidate choices and overall poll strategy. His proximity to Tejashwi has often been highlighted by both party insiders and critics, and Tej Pratap Yadav had earlier said Sanjay made it difficult for him to communicate with his younger brother.

Rift Linked to Rohini Acharya's Public Outburst

Sanjay Yadav's name got further attention after Tejashwi's sister Rohini Acharya posted a message saying she was quitting politics and distancing herself from the family. "This is what Sanjay Yadav and Rameez had asked me to do ...nd I'm taking all the blame," she said after the RJD's poor show. She accused Tejashwi along with aides Sanjay Yadav and Rameez Nemat Khan of avoiding accountability.

While Tejashwi has not publicly commented on the family conflict, Lalu Yadav reportedly said, "This is an internal family matter and will be resolved within the family. I am there to deal with it."