Tejashwi Yadav Faces Fear of Defections in RJD After Electoral Setback

Patna: Following the poor performance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, where the party managed to win only 25 seats, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav is reportedly anxious about potential defections within his ranks. Past instances of legislators switching allegiance from RJD to the NDA have raised concerns that the party might once again face internal instability.

Defections Under NDA Pressure
Political analysts suggest that NDA strategists are actively trying to woo RJD and other Mahagathbandhan lawmakers to their side. Sources reveal that some legislators have been subtly encouraged to switch loyalties, with the party being portrayed as a “sinking ship.” These maneuvers echo previous episodes, when lawmakers like Chetan Anand aligned with the NDA during power tussles, highlighting the vulnerability of RJD legislators.

RJD’s Dwindling Strength
The RJD’s limited seat count this election has made the party especially susceptible to defections. During past political confrontations, including the time when Nitish Kumar parted ways with the RJD, a handful of legislators—including Chetan Anand, Prahlad Yadav, Sunita Devi, Vibha Devi, and Prakash Veer—shifted allegiance, strengthening the rival side. Though their numbers were below the one-third threshold necessary for triggering anti-defection provisions, the fear of losing more lawmakers prompted Tejashwi Yadav to confront challenges head-on rather than evade them.

Historical Precedent
In earlier years, similar political strategies were deployed. Under Samrat Chaudhary’s leadership, 13 RJD legislators had switched support to Nitish Kumar, helping him maintain a majority. In 2013, amid political turmoil triggered by Narendra Modi’s prime ministerial candidacy and JDU’s separation from the BJP, the party survived floor tests with the backing of defectors from Congress, independents, and CPI. The dramatic entry of Samrat Chaudhary, who formally submitted signed letters of 13 MLAs to the Governor, reinforced the precariousness of party strength—a scenario RJD leaders are keen to avoid repeating.

Conclusion
Tejashwi Yadav now faces the challenge of consolidating his limited legislative strength, ensuring party unity, and safeguarding RJD against another wave of defections that could further destabilize the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar.