Why Did Lalu's 'Fighter Daughter' Break Away from the Family?

The Bihar election results have stirred the Lalu family. On Saturday, RJD leader Lalu Yadav's second daughter, Rohini Acharya, announced her decision to leave politics and disconnect from her family. This comes in the wake of a significant defeat for the RJD-led alliance in the Bihar elections. Just a day after the results, Rohini accused Sanjay Yadav, Ramiz, and Tejashwi Yadav of conspiring against her.
Rohini Acharya, Lalu

Source: aajtak

Often in the limelight for her outspoken defense of the family, Rohini Acharya, the daughter of Lalu Yadav, has made waves both on social media and in public. Despite her vocal support, she announced on November 15 that she is severing ties with her family, raising the question: Was this a sudden decision or a long-brewing rift?

The RJD faced a crushing defeat in the 2025 Bihar elections, securing only 25 seats. In response, Rohini made a sensational announcement, affecting both political and family dynamics.

What Did Rohini Say?

On November 15, Rohini posted a surprising statement on her X account, declaring her departure from politics and her family. She claimed that this decision was influenced by Sanjay Yadav and Ramiz, and she assumed full responsibility. Speaking to the media, Rohini accused those in Tejashwi Yadav's inner circle, especially Sanjay Yadav and Ramiz (Ramiz Alam), of compelling her to take such steps. She claimed that when she questioned the party's defeat and internal decisions, she was 'thrown out of the house', verbally abused, and humiliated. She also emphasized that she was accepting responsibility, implying she was taking the blame for the loss.

Who is Rohini Acharya?

As one of nine children of Lalu Yadav, Rohini is the second child. Born in 1979 in Patna, she pursued medical studies and earned her MBBS degree. Professionally, she is a doctor. In 2003, Rohini married Samresh Singh, an IT professional based in Singapore. In 2022, she made headlines for donating a kidney to her father, Lalu Yadav. She has been a prominent voice for RJD on social media and one of the most active RJD supporters during elections. Her involvement peaked during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when she contested from Bihar's Saran region but lost to BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

Lalu family in the spotlight

Source: aajtak

Why Does Rohini Stay in the Spotlight?

Rohini has expressed unique views and often questioned some family leadership decisions. During the Bihar elections in September 2025, she made headlines by unfollowing 58 leaders and family members on her X account, especially Tejashwi Yadav and other RJD leaders, which was considered a significant political gesture. She boldly stated, "For me, self-respect and my family's reputation are paramount."

The root of the story reportedly traces back to 2022 with Rohini's kidney donation to her father, amid rumors and accusations she never donated a kidney. The controversy also involves Sanjay Yadav's significant role, seen as contributing to the rift.

Rohini dismissed rumors saying they were aimed at tarnishing her image and were baseless.

Rohini's assertive expressions

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Rohini clarified, "I've never had political ambitions. I neither wish to become an assembly candidate nor to make anyone else a candidate. I have no desire for a Rajya Sabha membership, nor do I have rivalry within the family. I don't aspire for any position within the party or any future government. What matters most are my self-respect, my parents' honor, and my family's standing."

Strength of the Yadav family

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Earlier, on September 18, Rohini's post on X exposed internal frictions within RJD. She targeted Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav. However, as the controversy escalated, she deleted the post and made her X account private, signaling a feeling of familial and political pressure amid electoral noise.

The Significance of Rohini's Statement

Rohini's statement revealed that within the Lalu family, it isn't just about electoral defeat but also a deepening crisis over power, property, and trust. She once again targeted Tejashwi's close aides, indicating growing tension about the excessive influence they wield within the party and family.

The Infamous Seat Dispute

Amid the election atmosphere, RJD witnessed a significant uproar over 'front seat politics'. During the 'Bihar Rights Journey' in the state, Tejashwi Yadav's close aide, Sanjay Yadav, seated on the front seat (signifying leadership). Rohini highlighted this on her social media posts, signaling her discomfort and pointing out the disregard for traditional seating arrangements. She fiercely criticized Tejashwi's advisor, Sanjay Yadav.

Family dynamics in focus

Source: aajtak

Supporters Encouraged Until the Last Moment

Up until a day before, Rohini Acharya was active on X, boosting party morale and urging supporters to stay steadfast. On November 14, she posted, urging supporters not to abandon polling centers amidst misleading initial counting trends. She promoted staying vigilant during the decisive counting rounds. Prior, she shared her younger brother Tejashwi Yadav's press conference.

RJD's Defeat and Rohini's Sudden Announcement

On November 14, 2025, the Mahagathbandhan faced a serious setback in the Bihar assembly elections. The following day (November 15), Rohini announced on X that she was leaving politics and severing family ties, stating she acted on Sanjay Yadav and Ramiz's advice and took sole blame.

A symbolic disconnect

Source: aajtak

When Rohini Confronted Tej Pratap...

Tension between Tej Pratap and Tejashwi isn't new, but Rohini stood out when she openly took a stand amid their ongoing squabbles, often rebuking Tej Pratap for his public criticisms of Tejashwi.

In May 2025, Lalu Yadav expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and family. Rohini publicly supported her father's decision, stating it was necessary to maintain the dignity and tradition of both family and party. "Papa is like God to me… No one can undermine our family's and party's reputation," she declared. This step was perceived as not only familial discord but also a part of political strategy.

Family and strategy intertwined

Source: aajtak

RJD's Vocal Digital Warrior

Rohini's X handle has consistently been among the top voices supporting the opposition. Whether Tejashwi was Deputy CM or when RJD was in opposition, Rohini always advocated for family unity and Tejashwi's leadership. She often wrote, "Tejashwi is the future. The family is one and will remain so. We are together, and the rest is rumor." Up until November 14, her posts were seen boosting the morale of RJD supporters. During elections, Rohini was the most active digital face for RJD, promoting candidates and launching sharp critiques against BJP, sharing Tejashwi's rallies, and motivating booth workers.

Is This Like Tej Pratap or Something New?

Previously, the Lalu family expelled Tej Pratap from the party and family, and now Rohini seems to be following a similar path, though the reasons differ. Tej Pratap's expulsion was official, whereas Rohini is self-initiated.

It's worth noting that the talk of breaking ties wasn't sudden but long in the making, starting with social media clashes with Tej Pratap and ultimately being sidelined on family issues. Her trust in Tejashwi's close associates diminished over time. Therefore, her November 15 decision reflects months of growing discontent, rather than a single day's annoyance.

Political analysts suggest Rohini's grievances aren't limited to personal disputes. She specifically blamed Tejashwi's advisors, Sanjay and Ramiz, indicating a power dynamic and accountability issue. Rohini repeatedly stated she has no political ambitions, prioritizing self-respect above all.

Family challenges to RJD's future

Source: aajtak

Rohini's decision has added complexity to the Lalu family's public image. By naming and blaming individuals publicly, Rohini has overshadowed earlier events like Tej Pratap's expulsion. This issue isn't just personal family conflict but could impact RJD's future leadership and its reception.

For now, both politics and family suggest that no matter how substantial the grievances appear, dissolutions in Bihar's political landscape are rarely permanent.

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