Day After Poll Drubbing, RJD Says ‘No Sorrow in Defeat… Will Continue Raising Voice Among Poor’
Following a significant electoral setback in the Bihar bypolls, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has adopted a defiant stance, declaring there is “no sorrow in defeat” while reaffirming its commitment to Bihar’s marginalized communities. Led by Tejashwi Yadav, the party faced heavy losses but remains determined to advocate for social justice.
Humble Acceptance, Unyielding Resolve
The RJD, once a powerhouse in Bihar politics, endured a crushing defeat in the recent by-elections. Despite securing only a few seats, party leaders framed the outcome as a temporary setback rather than a rejection of their ideology. Senior leader Shakti Singh Yadav stated, “Defeat is part of democracy. We accept the verdict with humility but won’t retreat from fighting for the poor.”
Tejashwi Yadav reinforced this stance on social media, tweeting:
“Elections come and go, but the struggle for farmers, laborers, and the oppressed continues. We’ll keep speaking for those ignored by those in power.”
Why Did the RJD Lose?
Political analysts cite multiple reasons for the RJD’s poor performance:
– A resurgent BJP-JD(U) alliance
– Tactical voting by upper-caste groups
– Failing to fully mobilize its traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) base
– Lalu Prasad Yadav’s absence from campaigning
Critics also highlight the RJD’s lack of a clear developmental alternative to the Nitish Kumar government. While the party criticized the ruling coalition on unemployment and inflation, its own vision for Bihar remained vague.
RJD’s Next Moves: Doubling Down on Core Issues
Despite the loss, the RJD plans to intensify its focus on social justice and welfare for the poor. Insiders reveal Tejashwi Yadav aims to broaden the party’s appeal by courting Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Dalits. The RJD will also ramp up attacks on the BJP over alleged neglect of Bihar’s development needs.
A senior party leader asserted, “We won’t vanish because of one election. Our fight is long-term, and we’ll rebuild from the ground up.”
Opposition’s Response: Mockery and Confidence
The BJP-JD(U) alliance dismissed the RJD’s resilience as empty words. Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary taunted, “They excel at excuses. Bihar has rejected their negativity.” JD(U) leaders, meanwhile, claimed the results reaffirmed Nitish Kumar’s governance model.
Conclusion: A Test of RJD’s Resilience
The bypoll defeat is a major blow, but the RJD’s refusal to back down signals a protracted political battle. With the 2024 national elections approaching, Tejashwi Yadav faces the challenge of revitalizing the party’s appeal. However, its emphasis on championing the poor—a legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav—could regain traction if economic hardships worsen in Bihar.
One thing is clear: the RJD may have lost this round, but Bihar’s political war is far from over.
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