Patna, July 5: Veteran political leader and founder of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Lalu Prasad Yadav, has been re-elected as the party's national president at the age of 78. The announcement came during a meeting of the RJD's National Council held in Patna on Saturday, coinciding with the party’s 28th foundation day.
Lalu, who established the RJD in 1997 after parting ways with the Janata Dal, continues to wield considerable influence within the party and Bihar’s political landscape. His re-election to the top post reinforces his central role in guiding the RJD ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections scheduled to take place in the near future.
While addressing the party’s national council following his re-election, Lalu Prasad emphasized the party’s preparations for the upcoming polls. He revealed that the RJD has already initiated a survey to identify potential candidates for the assembly seats.
“A comprehensive survey is underway to find the most suitable and promising candidates from among our party workers and supporters,” Lalu informed the gathering. He further added, “I will finalize the list of candidates after detailed discussions and consultations with Tejashwi Yadav,” referring to his son and the party’s heir-apparent, who has played a key leadership role in recent years.
Lalu’s re-election comes at a time when Bihar politics is witnessing significant churn, and the RJD is expected to be a major contender in the assembly elections. His continued leadership, despite health challenges and advancing age, underscores his enduring stature within the party and the loyalty he commands among its cadre.
As the RJD gears up for the electoral battle ahead, Lalu’s statement signals a grassroots-focused strategy, aimed at strengthening the party’s organizational base and ensuring winnability through careful candidate selection.
