Will Bihar Witness an ‘MLA Poaching Drive’? JDU Claims RJD May Face Exodus During Budget Session

Patna: Political speculation has once again intensified in Bihar as the ruling Janata Dal (United) [JDU] has claimed that a major political shake-up may unfold during the ongoing Bihar Assembly Budget Session. JDU leaders have alleged that the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) could witness an internal rebellion, leading to a possible exodus of its MLAs.

“RJD Will See a Stampede of MLAs,” Says JDU Leader Neeraj Kumar

JDU MLC and chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar made a bold statement, claiming that several RJD legislators may soon abandon the party and join JDU.

He stated that dissatisfaction within the RJD has reached a critical point and the resignation of former RJD leader and ex-MLA Riyazul Haque, who recently joined JDU, is only the beginning.

“This is just the trailer. The real political picture is yet to come. During this session itself, there will be chaos inside RJD, and many MLAs will shift to JDU,” Neeraj Kumar claimed.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Leadership Blamed for Growing Discontent

Neeraj Kumar further blamed RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for the alleged unrest, stating that party leaders have repeatedly faced electoral setbacks under his leadership.

He pointed out that RJD leaders had to tolerate “failed leadership” in the 2020, 2024 and 2025 elections, which, according to him, has led to frustration and disillusionment among party legislators.

Past ‘Break-Up Claims’ Failed to Materialise

However, such claims are not new in Bihar politics. After the ruling alliance’s massive victory in the 2025 Assembly Elections, multiple rumours surfaced regarding possible splits within RJD, Congress, and even the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

In the past, speculation about Congress MLAs revolting gained attention when a legislator reportedly skipped meetings at the party headquarters. Yet, the matter cooled down after all leaders attended a meeting chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Similarly, rumours of rebellion in the Rashtriya Lok Morcha also failed to translate into actual political defections, with the party appointing MLA Alok Singh as state president to restore internal stability.

Nitish Kumar–Tejashwi Proximity Sparks Fresh Political Buzz

Meanwhile, political observers have also been discussing reports of growing proximity between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav.

During the ongoing session, Nitish Kumar was seen shifting his seat closer to Tejashwi Yadav and engaging in friendly conversation, fuelling speculation once again that the Chief Minister could be planning another political realignment.

Experts Doubt a Major RJD Split

Senior journalist and political analyst Om Prakash Ashk believes that the chances of a major split in the RJD remain low. He argued that Nitish Kumar, known for his democratic stance, is unlikely to encourage defections unless there is a major threat to the existing political arrangement.

Ashk further added that a large-scale induction of opposition MLAs could also create dissatisfaction within JDU itself due to limited ministerial positions.

Political Uncertainty Continues

With Bihar politics already known for its frequent twists and alliances, the latest claim by JDU has once again reignited debate over whether the state is heading towards another phase of political instability—or if it is merely a strategic pressure tactic aimed at weakening the opposition during the session.