Tejashwi Yadav named RJD national working president as party formalises leadership transition in Patna
The Rashtriya Janata Dal has created the post of national working president and appointed Tejashwi Yadav at a national executive meeting in Patna. The move signals a generational shift in the party’s leadership structure, while also drawing public remarks from family members amid internal tensions after the party’s 2025 Bihar election setback.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on January 25, 2026, formally appointed former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as its national working president at the party’s national executive meeting in Patna, signalling a major organisational shift and a clearer succession framework within the party.
The appointment was made in the presence of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and senior leaders, with the RJD describing the move as the beginning of a new phase. Reports noted that the position of national working president did not exist earlier in the party’s structure, and its creation is seen as a step toward strengthening day-to-day organisational functioning.
Tejashwi’s elevation comes as the party recalibrates after its poor performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Although the RJD remained a key pole in state politics, the election outcome triggered internal debate on strategy, leadership and the need to rebuild organisation and messaging ahead of future contests.
The announcement also drew attention because of visible family and organisational tensions. Reports said Tejashwi’s sister Rohini Acharya made public comments raising concerns and alleging a possible conspiracy around the leadership transition, adding to the wider discussion on the party’s internal dynamics.
With the new role, Tejashwi is expected to gain greater authority over organisational decisions, coordination across state units and routine party functioning, while Lalu Prasad Yadav remains the party’s central figure and symbol.