Former RJD leader Ritu Jaiswal joins BJP, sparks political buzz

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received a major boost on Tuesday as former state president of the RJD women’s cell, Ritu Jaiswal, joined the party along with several other RJD leaders. Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi formally inducted her into the party.

Ritu is considered especially popular among youth and women in Sitamarhi, Sheohar and adjoining areas. Her induction is also expected to help the BJP strengthen its support base among the Vaishya community.

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Ritu Jaiswal’s political journey is considered remarkable.

She left a comfortable urban life in Mumbai to transform an underdeveloped village into a model panchayat. She served as the Mukhiya of Singhwahini Panchayat in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, and earned national recognition for her efforts in infrastructure, sanitation, and women’s empowerment.

Over time, she became widely known as “Mukhiya Didi.”

With a positive image as an educated and active woman leader, she later joined the RJD and emerged as one of the party’s prominent faces. She served as the party spokesperson and also headed the state women’s wing.

Ritu contested the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections from Parihar seat and lost by a narrow margin. In 2024, she contested the parliamentary elections but was defeated.

Despite her considerable popularity among women, youth and the Vaishya community, the RJD denied her a ticket for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections and fielded another candidate instead.

Upset over the decision, she chose to contest as an independent candidate. Even as an Independent, she performed strongly, securing more than 60,000 votes, while the RJD candidate slipped to third place.

Following this, the RJD expelled her from the party for six years. Political analysts had termed the move a big loss for the RJD.

Now that she has joined the BJP, speculation is rife that she may contest the upcoming MLC elections as a BJP candidate or be given a significant organisational role within the party.