Sanjay Yadav, a Rajya Sabha MP, has emerged as a formidable figure in RJD today. Despite being targeted first by Lalu Yadav's elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, and now daughter, Rohini Acharya, no action can be taken against him, nor can anyone speak against him. Currently serving as the primary strategist for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), every step taken by Tejashwi Yadav seems to follow his cues. Sanjay, hailing from Haryana, has firmly established his influence within Lalu Prasad Yadav's family despite the opposition. Let's explore the factors that allow him to maintain his hold despite open resistance from the Lalu family.
Previously accused of sidelining Tej Pratap to the party's periphery, Sanjay Yadav was seen occupying the front seat in Tejashwi Yadav's Bihar Adhikar Yatra bus. This ruffled many in RJD. Lalu's daughter, Rohini Acharya, who offered her kidney to him, raised this issue on social media. Family matters surface online only under public pressure, indicating that Rohini's concerns were ignored at home leading her to take such steps. The astonishing aspect is that no action was taken against Sanjay Yadav; instead, Rohini had to retreat by evening, acknowledging Sanjay's dominance.
It's clear that when Rohini's voice went unheard within the household, she resorted to these measures. However, it's shocking that even after this, no action was taken against Sanjay Yadav, but instead, Lalu might have voiced taking action against his daughter. This incident underscores the growing significance of Sanjay Yadav within the Lalu family. The question arises, what special attributes he possesses that neither Lalu nor Tejashwi Yadav prefer to hear a word against him.
1 - How Sanjay entered the Lalu family
Sanjay Yadav became part of the RJD and Lalu family in 2012, during Lalu's imprisonment. At that time, Tejashwi Yadav, stepping away from cricket, was attempting to anchor his political career. Returning from Delhi to Patna, Tejashwi needed a trusted companion. Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of UP and the Samajwadi Party President, introduced Sanjay to Tejashwi. Already active in SP and familiar with electoral strategies in Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay left his job and came to Patna with Tejashwi during Lalu's 2012 incarceration. Quickly, he became Tejashwi's 'eyes and ears'. Post Lalu's release (2022-24), Sanjay's influence not only remained intact but grew stronger. Soon, he became a 'gatekeeper' for those wishing to meet Lalu-Tejashwi. Today, no RJD leader dares talk to Lalu or Tejashwi without going through Sanjay first.
2 - Controversies surrounding Sanjay Yadav
Many controversies are associated with Sanjay Yadav, primarily due to internal conflicts within the Lalu family.
Clash with Tej Pratap Yadav:
In 2021, Tej Pratap referred to Sanjay as an 'NRI', stirring controversy. After Tej Pratap's dismissal in May 2025, he labeled Sanjay as 'Jai Chand'. Tej Pratap accused him of ousting Akash Yadav (Anushka's brother) from RJD. Tej Pratap stated Sanjay is a Haryanvi scriptwriter hijacking the family. In August 2025, forming 'Janshakti Janata Dal', he targeted Sanjay.
Rohini Acharya's opposition:
Rohini shared a picture of Sanjay sitting on the front seat of the 'Bihar Adhikar Yatra' bus on Facebook, calling it 'inappropriate'. Rohini insisted that this seat should now be reserved for Dalit leaders. This post incited family turmoil. It is said that post Lalu's displeasure, Rohini had to back down. Rohini's stance is evident in her two tweets.
Before this tweet, Rohini Acharya had made another tweet, visible in Amit Malviya's tweet.
Lalu Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, by sharing another's post about her brother Tejashwi Yadav's ally and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, showcased their ‘rightful place’. This not only signifies familial clashes but also exemplifies how social justice often fades at the family threshold…
Accusations of interference in the party:
Sanjay is accused of 'hijacking' RJD. Activists claim that even flags must be purchased from his firm. In 2021, his involvement was suggested in the suspension of Akash Yadav against Jagadanand Singh. BJP leader Amit Malviya labeled it 'hypocrisy of social justice'.
3 - Reasons why Sanjay remains influential in the Lalu family
- Unwavering support from Tejashwi Yadav
Tejashwi Yadav's steadfast trust and backing constitute Sanjay Yadav's biggest strength. Seen as RJD's future and Lalu's successor, Tejashwi himself refers to Sanjay as his tutoring master. The MY-BAAP (Muslim-Yadav, Bahujan, Upper caste, Half population, Poor) campaign was a pivotal part of RJD's 2024 Lok Sabha strategy, aimed at expanding the party's traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank.
This slogan was presented by Tejashwi Yadav in February 2024 during his 'Jan Vishwas Yatra', targeting women, backward classes, Dalits, upper castes, and the poor. Known as the 'mastermind' behind RJD's comprehensive electoral strategies, Sanjay’s indirect involvement in such vote-bank expansion strategies was evident. Given his role as Tejashwi's 'eyes and ears' and strategic advisor, his contribution to the successful strategies in the 2015 and 2020 Bihar elections is acknowledged.
In 2024, by nominating Sanjay to the Rajya Sabha, Tejashwi enhanced his stature, indicating the sidelining of senior family leaders. Despite opposition from Tej Pratap and Rohini, Tejashwi openly supported Sanjay, showing their intertwined influence.
- Strategic acumen and electoral expertise
The second major strength of Sanjay Yadav is his strategic vision and expertise in election management. His experience with the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Haryana brought him to RJD. His longstanding ties with Akhilesh Yadav connected him to the Lalu family. Sanjay shaped RJD's strategy in the 2015 and 2020 Bihar assembly elections. His role was notable in the Mahagathbandhan's victory in 75 seats in 2020.
He excels in alliance management, voter targeting, and social media campaigns. For example, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, though RJD's seats were limited to 4, Sanjay's strategy helped increase the vote share and intensified attacks on the NDA. Sanjay's capabilities modernize RJD, making it youth-oriented, distinct from the Lalu family's traditional image. This strategic skill is scarce among other family members, rendering Sanjay indispensable.
- Dominance in social media and digital presence
Sanjay Yadav's third strength lies in his prowess in digital and social media management. In today's politics, social media is a potent tool, and Sanjay is adept at leveraging it. He crafts Tejashwi's tweets and Facebook posts known for aggressive attacks on the NDA. His Twitter bio reads Social Worker, Humanist, and he shares articles on social justice topics, such as a piece on Lalu in 2020 by Round Table India. By leading RJD into the digital age, Sanjay attracts young voters. Though family members like Tej Pratap and Rohini are active on social media, their posts are often emotional and contentious.
Conversely, Sanjay's strategy is meticulous and targeted. For instance, his drafted statements for Tejashwi on the My-Sister Scheme put NDA on the defensive. This digital dominance ensures Sanjay's indispensability in the Lalu family, given Tejashwi's reliance on his expertise.
- Lalu's indirect support
Though Lalu Prasad Yadav appears less in active politics, he remains the ultimate leader of RJD. Sanjay’s stature is fortified by Lalu's indirect backing. Also, sending Sanjay to Rajya Sabha in 2024 was a decision by Lalu, implying his trust in Sanjay. Due to age and health issues, Lalu’s dependency on Tejashwi has increased, and through Tejashwi, Sanjay remains within Lalu's trust circle. Despite Rohini’s recent dissent, no substantial action was taken against Sanjay, reflecting his influence.
- Ability to navigate controversies
Another notable skill Sanjay possesses is the ability to handle controversies by staying silent and leveraging Tejashwi's position to protect his status. Though Tej Pratap branded him a Jai Chand and Haryanvi scriptwriter, and Rohini questioned his seat occupancy, Sanjay never responded publicly. This strategy enables him to rise above family disputes and continue focusing on RJD’s strategy with Tejashwi, ensuring his influence remains undiminished.
