From Magadh to Seemanchal, RJD gathers momentum as key JD(U) leaders cross over

In a major setback to the NDA, three political heavyweights from the JD(U) and a prominent LJP(R) leader joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday. The move is expected to significantly change the political equations in the Magadh and Seemanchal regions in RJD’s favour.

Among the three JD(U) leaders are former MP from Purnea Santosh Kushwaha, former MP Jagdish Sharma’s son Rahul Sharma, and JD(U) MP from Banka Girdhari Yadav’s son Chanakya Prakash. Former LJP candidate Ajay Kushwaha was the fourth leader to join the RJD.

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This development follows another political defection just a day earlier, when senior JD(U) leader and former minister Laxmeshwar Rai joined the RJD. Upon joining, Rai publicly criticised the JD(U), stating, “This party is no longer for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). People from our community are being ignored. That’s why I had to leave.”

These developments are seen as a massive consolidation move by Tejashwi Yadav, who is not only targeting backward castes but also upper-caste voters, especially in Magadh and Seemanchal regions. Political analysts see it as the RJD leader’s attempt to disrupt the NDA’s caste arithmetic and bolster the INDIA bloc’s chances in the upcoming assembly elections.

Welcoming the new entrants to the RJD, Tejashwi said that their entry would strengthen both the party and the cause of social justice. Referring to key regions like Seemanchal, Purnia, and Banka, Tejashwi said the challenges there have now turned into strengths for the RJD.

Taking a dig at Nitish Kumar, he said that the JD(U) supremo had lost control over the government long ago; now he is not even able to run his party. He claimed that, afraid of the BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’, Nitish Kumar had approached Lalu Prasad twice to save his post and prevent JD(U) from disintegrating. Now he has lost it completely to the BJP.

The decision to induct Rahul Sharma, son of influential Bhumihar leader Jagdish Sharma, into RJD is seen as a strategic move by Tejashwi to make inroads into the Bhumihar community, traditionally considered to be aligned with the NDA. Jagdish Sharma has considerable influence in the Magadh region, and Rahul’s entry could help RJD establish a stronger connection with upper-caste voters, especially Bhumihars.

His move to RJD could change the equations on several seats in Magadh, especially in areas like Jehanabad, where Bhumihars and Yadavs are dominant communities often competing for political leadership.

Similarly, former JD(U) MP from Purnea Santosh Kushwaha’s decision to join RJD is seen as a major setback to JD(U). Once considered close to Nitish Kumar, his departure is being seen as a major blow to JD(U)’s prospects in the Seemanchal region, where he has significant support in areas like Purnea, Kishanganj, and Araria. RJD now hopes to strengthen its position in this crucial belt.

Another blow to JD(U) came from Banka as Chanakya Prakash, son of sitting JD(U) MP Girdhari Yadav, joined the RJD. Girdhari Yadav is considered one of Nitish Kumar’s most trusted MPs. His son’s switch to RJD is a symbolic and strategic loss.