In a major shake-up before the Bihar assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expelled 27 functionaries, including two sitting MLAs, for alleged “anti-party activities.” The late-Tuesday announcement has sparked political turbulence, raising concerns about internal discord and the RJD’s election readiness.
Key Leaders Expelled
The ousted members include:
– Anil Kumar Sahni (Hasanpur MLA)
– Prahlad Yadav (Alauli MLA)
– Several district-level office bearers
The RJD’s disciplinary committee, led by Shivanand Tiwari, accused them of “breaching party discipline” and “engaging with rival groups.” Insiders reveal many openly criticized Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership and were suspected of ties with the BJP or JD(U).
Why the RJD Took Action Now
With Bihar polls approaching, the RJD aims to project unity and protect its core Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank. Analysts call this a “pre-emptive strike” to avoid public infighting, which rivals like the BJP could exploit.
“The RJD is cleaning house before elections—delay could’ve been costlier.”
– Ajay Kumar, Political Analyst
Backlash from Expelled Leaders
The removed leaders deny wrongdoing, calling the move “undemocratic.” MLA Anil Sahni claims he was punished for questioning unfair ticket distribution, while others allege Tejashwi’s authoritarian style.
Opposition Reacts
- BJP: Labels it a “panic move.”
- JD(U): Mocks RJD’s “failure to manage dissent.”
Impact on Bihar’s Political Battle
The expulsion risks grassroots alienation and potential defections to rivals. It also highlights the generational clash between Tejashwi’s new guard and older leaders.
What to Watch Next
- RJD’s candidate list—will loyalty trump winnability?
- Whether expelled leaders join rival parties.
- Tejashwi’s ability to unite the cadre post-purge.
Bihar’s 2024 elections just got hotter—stay updated for deeper analysis.
