Lalu hands out and withdraws election symbols, Tejashwi’s return flips RJD’s political script

National News: Bihar’s political scene witnessed unexpected drama when Lalu Prasad Yadav gave election symbols to several candidates, only to take them back within hours. Tejashwi Yadav’s return from Delhi seemed to trigger the reversal, leaving party leaders and workers puzzled. The abrupt move highlighted an internal tussle for control and sparked speculation about who truly holds the reins of the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Candidates caught in confusion overnight

Those who reportedly received symbols included Maner MLA Bhai Virendra, Dr. Sanjeev from Parbatta, Bogo Singh from Matihani, and Arun Yadav’s son from Sandesh. Photos of them with RJD symbols spread quickly on social media. But by late night, each was called back to return the symbols. Their vague responses added to the mystery, with some saying they came to give “feedback” while others avoided direct answers.

Leadership denies symbol distribution story

Senior RJD leader Ali Ashraf Fatmi rejected claims that symbols had been given. He alleged that the viral images were either old from the 2020 elections or digitally altered. His denial, however, clashed with eyewitness accounts and fresh photos, creating more confusion within the party. The contradiction fueled doubts about whether there is a communication gap between Lalu’s decisions and Tejashwi’s leadership style.

Rabri residence turns into power hub

As news spread, Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna became the center of late-night political activity. Party workers and leaders crowded the premises, whispering about a possible break with Congress and even the formation of a new front. With no official clarification, speculation grew intense, showing how internal uncertainty could spill over into alliance politics.

Midnight meetings fuel speculation fire

Around 2:30 a.m., RJD Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav was seen leaving Rabri Devi’s house. In his car was former MP Prince Paswan, nephew of Pashupati Paras. Paswan had earlier declined to merge his party, but his surprise presence fueled talk of fresh alignments. Political observers noted that such midnight movements rarely happen without larger strategies being discussed.

Tejashwi’s return changes power balance

Many believe Tejashwi Yadav’s arrival from Delhi directly led to the symbol recall. It appeared that decisions made in his absence were immediately overruled to reaffirm his authority. The incident signaled a delicate power balance within the RJD, where Lalu holds symbolic influence but Tejashwi controls the operational command of the party.

Grand Alliance faces uncertain future

Seat-sharing talks in the Grand Alliance remain unresolved, and this RJD drama has further clouded the atmosphere. While Congress and other allies have already finalized their candidates, RJD seems trapped in internal tug-of-war. Whether this was strategic maneuvering or a damaging misstep is unclear, but the episode has added suspense to Bihar’s electoral battlefield just as nominations are about to begin.