Tejashwi Yadav Files Raghopur Nomination as RJD Faces Seat-Sharing Turmoil; Lalu and Rabri Present

National News: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday formally filed his nomination papers from Raghopur constituency. He was accompanied by his father, former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, and mother Rabri Devi. The Yadav family has long held Raghopur, except for one short break when the seat went to JDU in 2010. This election again places Tejashwi against Jan Suraj candidate Chanchal Singh in a high-stakes political battle.

Raghopur’s dominance in Bihar politics

Raghopur is not just another constituency. It is a Yadav-dominated seat where farming remains the main livelihood. For decades, it has symbolized the stronghold of the RJD family in Bihar’s politics. The voters here see Tejashwi not only as a leader but as a continuation of his father’s legacy. Political analysts believe this seat will again set the tone for RJD’s performance in the 2025 elections.

Tejashwi’s consistent winning streak

Since 2015, Tejashwi Yadav has been the face of Raghopur. He first won in 2015, returning again victorious in 2020. His leadership grew stronger as he became Deputy Chief Minister in Nitish Kumar’s coalition government. Despite the Grand Alliance’s narrow loss in 2020 by only 12 seats and a slim margin of 0.03%, Tejashwi established himself as the state’s most prominent young leader.

Leadership beyond Raghopur constituency

Tejashwi Yadav’s political career has expanded beyond Raghopur. As Deputy Chief Minister between 2015-2017 and again from 2022-2024, he pushed employment drives, claiming distribution of over five lakh appointment letters. His ability to turn opposition into strength and mobilize youth has made him one of the most important voices in Bihar’s current political landscape. His re-election campaign will test whether his development promises resonate with common voters.

Prashant Kishor’s withdrawal sparks debate

The political battleground in Bihar also saw a twist with election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor announcing he would not contest the assembly elections. His Jan Suraj Party confirmed this decision, saying it was in the party’s interest. The RJD, however, ridiculed Kishor, claiming he had accepted defeat even before stepping into the ring. This gave Tejashwi an advantage, as he now faces fewer direct challengers with large influence.

Challenges and expectations ahead

Despite his strong base, Tejashwi faces challenges. Rising unemployment, farmer struggles, and migration remain pressing issues in Raghopur and Bihar at large. His rivals will try to use these problems against him. Yet, Tejashwi’s popularity and his family’s influence keep him as the frontrunner. Analysts believe this election is not only about Raghopur but about whether RJD can expand its reach and challenge the ruling coalition.

A battle of legacy and change

As Bihar moves closer to the 2025 assembly elections, Raghopur is again at the center of political heat. Tejashwi Yadav’s candidacy represents both legacy and change-legacy of his father’s political dominance and change driven by his youth and promises. With Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi standing firmly by his side, Tejashwi hopes to transform emotional loyalty into electoral victory once again.