The Indus Zone Tech Desk | Patna, October 19, 2025:
Tensions are rising within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as party worker Usha Devi staged a protest outside the residence of party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna. The long-time RJD member expressed disappointment after being denied a ticket to contest from the Bodh Gaya constituency in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
Loyal Worker Left Disheartened
Usha Devi, who has been associated with the RJD since she was just 17, accused the party leadership of overlooking her despite multiple promises. She claimed that even after years of loyal service and direct assurances from senior leaders like Tejashwi Yadav and actor-turned-politician Khesari Lal Yadav, her candidature was rejected.
“I have worked for the party since my teenage years. I met the people in my constituency, sought blessings from my elders, and prepared for the election. Yet, I was denied the ticket,” Usha Devi told ANI.
“Despite my disappointment, I still respect and support Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Yadav,” she added.
Bodh Gaya Set for Polling in Second Phase
The Bodh Gaya seat will go to polls on November 11, during the second phase of the state elections. The last date for filing nominations is Monday, as political parties rush to finalize their candidates.
The incident highlights growing unrest within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) as leaders from the Congress, RJD, and other allies continue to tussle over seat-sharing arrangements.
Internal Turmoil Grows Within RJD
This protest follows another dramatic episode earlier in the day when Madan Shah, a former RJD candidate, broke down publicly after claiming that his ticket was sold to another contender. According to Shah, he was assured a ticket by senior party members but was later asked to pay ₹2.7 crore for confirmation.
Shah accused some party leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav’s close aide Sanjay Yadav, of corruption and favoritism.
“They asked for ₹2.7 crore to secure the ticket. When I refused, it was given to another person,” Shah alleged. “I have been with the RJD since the 1990s, sold my land for the party’s work, but they betrayed me. Tejashwi has become arrogant and doesn’t even meet party workers.”
Eyewitnesses reported that Shah wept uncontrollably outside Lalu Yadav’s residence and even chased his car, expressing his anguish.
Congress-RJD Relations Strained Amid Seat Talks
The timing of these protests is crucial. The Congress released its second list of candidates on Saturday, announcing five new names and taking its total to 53 candidates. However, both parties within the alliance continue to struggle with seat allocation disagreements.
Analysts suggest that these public outbursts by RJD members could damage the party’s image ahead of the polls, especially as Tejashwi Yadav positions himself as the face of young leadership in Bihar.
Bihar Gears Up for Two-Phase Election
The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will take place in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.
Key constituencies like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bodh Gaya are expected to witness intense battles among candidates from RJD, Janata Dal (United), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress.
While the Mahagathbandhan is yet to finalize all its seats, the ruling NDA alliance has already begun large-scale campaigns across rural Bihar, focusing on development, jobs, and social welfare promises.
Political Implications and Public Sentiment
Experts believe that incidents like these protests may affect RJD’s grassroots mobilization. Local workers form the backbone of regional campaigns, and their dissatisfaction could translate into lower voter enthusiasm.
Political analyst Rajeev Singh said,
“The RJD must handle these internal disputes carefully. In an election where every constituency matters, even a small rebellion can split votes and help rivals gain ground.”
Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have remained silent on both controversies. Party insiders, however, suggest that the leadership might attempt damage control in the coming days to prevent further backlash.
Final Thoughts
As Bihar moves closer to election day, the RJD’s internal challenges, combined with the ongoing seat-sharing tussle within the Grand Alliance, have created uncertainty among voters.
Whether Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership can steer the party through these turbulent waters will be a key factor in determining the outcome of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
