With Lalu away, onus on Tejashwi now to keep the RJD flock together

The conviction of Lalu Prasad in the fodder scam is likely to come as a setback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), given that he has been the party’s guiding force since its formation in 1997.

Lalu, however, can find solace in the knowledge that he has successfully positioned his son, Tejashwi, as the de-facto number two in the party. Last month, the RJD national executive had even passed a unanimous resolution that the next election would be fought under Tejashwi’s leadership.

Many feel the RJD supremo’s decision to project his younger son as the party’s future leader was taken in consideration of the knowledge that he could soon be incarcerated in the fodder scam. “The RJD has seen a smooth transition of power in the last few years. So, even Lalu’s imprisonment should not affect the party’s functioning,” said a senior leader on the condition of anonymity.

But does this mean Tejashwi will now helm the RJD as its de-facto president? The party top bass claims there will be no replacing Lalu, even if he is incarcerated. “Lalu is the president, and he will remain so. Where, then, is the question of number two?” asked senior Jagdanand Singh. The statement is contextual, given how the RJD wants to avoid any possibility of a power struggle erupting between Lalu’s children – Tejashwi, Tej Pratap and Misa Bharti.

While all seems well between Tej Pratap and Tejashwi on the surface, closer scrutiny reveals a fierce competition for political recognition. Tej Pratap has become particularly assertive in recent times, trying to emulate his father’s rustic charm by taking tractor rides, throwing invectives at political rivals and blowing conches at party rallies. The suave Tejashwi, on the other hand, tries to remain political correct even while picking on the BJP-JD(U) combine.

“It will be interesting to see how the two brothers conduct themselves. The onus of keeping the party’s 80 MLAs together is now on Tejashwi, given that he is the RJD legislative party leader,” said a senior leader.

However, many wonder if the former deputy chief minister has the political experience to keep the RJD going. There have been signs of dissent in the party, although muted, ever since its grand alliance with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) came apart in July. There are also chances of Tejashwi coming under renewed attack from rivals over graft charges leveled against him in the land-for-hotel scam.

What’s more, the RJD cannot insulate itself from the taint of corruption as long as its top leader remains behind bars. Insiders feel it may make even the Congress, an otherwise allweather ally, rethink its relationship with the regional party in the 2019 polls.

In Lalu’s absence, the RJD faces the challenge of remaining a significant electoral force as the Lok Sabha polls draw closer. The Yadav chieftain, with his keen eye for picking candidates in accordance with their winnability and the uncanny ability to charm voters, had been the party’s biggest asset.

A RJD senior leader shrugged off these concerns. “Lalu has been jailed in the past too, and each time, it only served to galvanise the party cadre and bring leaders together. He will bounce back on this occasion too, and it’s the JD(U)-BJP combine that will face the heat,” he said.