After the RJD's dismal defeat in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, a massive political upheaval has erupted within the party. Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and a former Lok Sabha candidate, declared on Saturday her decision to retire from politics and sever ties with her family. Emerging from Rabri Devi's residence, she addressed the media, stating, "I have no family. I have no responsibilities. Ask Chanakya... go and ask Sanjay Yadav, Tejashwi. If you inquire, you will be insulted, assaulted with slippers." She accused Tejashwi Yadav of driving her away from the family.
Following her resignation, Rohini Acharya took to social media to declare her retirement from politics and cut ties with her family. She claimed that Tejashwi Yadav's advisor Sanjay Yadav and Rameez pressured her into doing so. She wrote, "I am leaving politics and breaking away from my family. This is what Sanjay Yadav and Rameez wanted, and now I am taking full responsibility."
Dr. turned politician Rohini had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Saran seat on an RJD ticket but was defeated by BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Since then, her distance from the family and party has been evident. It is reported that Rohini is heading to Delhi from Patna and is expected to return to Singapore.
Months before the elections, she unfollowed RJD, Lalu Yadav, and brother Tejashwi Yadav on social media. Her frequent emotional and cryptic posts signaled growing tensions within the family.
In 2022, Rohini Donated a Kidney to Her Father
Reports suggest the controversy stems from questions raised over the kidney donation she made to her father, Lalu Yadav, in 2022 and the ensuing criticisms. Rohini had publicly voiced her displeasure on several occasions regarding this matter.
The rising role of Tejashwi Yadav's closest associate and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav is also considered a significant source of conflict. During the Bihar Adhikar Yatra, Rohini expressed her displeasure over a picture showing Sanjay seated prominently on the RJD bus, which intensified her opposition within the party.
Rohini faced internal family criticism and was trolled on social media for her alleged political ambitions. Frustrated by the allegations, she publicly refuted them, labeling the kidney donation questions as "false and malicious."
Meanwhile, Tej Pratap Yadav's recent exclusion from the RJD amid controversies further destabilized the family's situation. Tej Pratap openly supported Rohini and even sent emotional messages referencing the "Sudarshan Chakra" against their opponents.
Rohini's Direct Displeasure with Sanjay Yadav
Rohini Acharya launched a direct attack on Tejashwi Yadav's political advisor, Sanjay Yadav. Previously, many Lalu family members accused Sanjay of excessive interference in ticket distribution and internal decisions. Tej Pratap went so far as to call Sanjay "Jai Chand" and blamed him for his estrangement from the family.
BJP Targets RJD
The BJP seized the opportunity to criticize the RJD and Tejashwi Yadav amidst this controversy. BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar stated that Lalu Yadav's daughter, who saved his life by donating a kidney, is now distancing herself from the family and party. He noted that Tej Pratap had been sidelined, and now Rohini is also keeping her distance. The BJP accuses the RJD family of succumbing to "infiltration" and the influence of those harming Bihar's interests.
Who is the Mysterious Rameez Mentioned by Rohini?
Growing 'Family War' in Lalu Family
Several months ago, Lalu Yadav expelled Tej Pratap from the party following his public relationship revelation with Anushka Yadav. Now, with Rohini Acharya's announcement to distance herself from the family, the controversy has deepened. The fissures within the Lalu family are widening, with many dubbing it a 'family war.' The recent developments have thoroughly shaken RJD's internal politics.
Who is Rameez?
Rohini Acharya leveled serious accusations against Rameez, who hails from UP and has played in the same cricket club as Tejashwi Yadav. His father-in-law, Rizwan Zaheer, is a Samajwadi Party leader and former MP, currently imprisoned over a 2022 murder case, while Rameez and his wife are out on bail. Over the past two years, Rameez has established strong influence in Tejashwi's team, managing the war room during the elections. Rameez, along with Adnan, Sharik, and Sanjay Yadav, form Tejashwi Yadav's core team.
