In the wake of the recent Bihar election results, the political turmoil within the family of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has taken a new turn. The latest controversy involves Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, who has announced her retirement from politics and severed ties with the family. This shocking development has caused a stir in Bihar’s political circles, especially considering that Rohini had previously donated a kidney to her father, Lalu Yadav.
Family Feud in the Yadav Household
This is not the first time that the internal conflicts of one of the country’s most prominent political families have come to the forefront. The Yadav family’s power struggles, particularly over the inheritance of leadership, have always been a subject of public debate. The first major incident occurred in 2017 when Lalu Yadav was jailed for his involvement in the fodder scam. At that time, he handed over the reins of RJD to his younger son, Tejashwi Yadav. This shift sparked a rivalry between Tejashwi and his elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, who began a political battle for supremacy.
Tej Pratap’s Claims and His Forming of the Lalu-Rabri Front
Tej Pratap, the elder son of Lalu Prasad, has consistently claimed that he is the rightful heir to his father’s political legacy. His political journey took a dramatic turn in 2018-2019, when he filed for divorce from his wife, Aishwarya Rai, just five months after their marriage. Tej Pratap publicly accused the family of ignoring his concerns, stating that living under constant suppression was futile. In the lead-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Tej Pratap resigned from RJD and formed a separate faction, the Lalu-Rabri Front, distancing himself from his father’s party.
The Rabri Devi-Aishwarya Rai Controversy
In 2025, another controversy emerged involving Rabri Devi, Lalu’s wife, and Aishwarya Rai. Aishwarya reportedly left the Rabri residence in tears, accusing her mother-in-law, Rabri Devi, and sister-in-law, Misa Bharti, of mistreating her. Aishwarya claimed she was not given food and was not allowed into the kitchen, with her meals being sent from her parental home. This incident further tarnished the reputation of the Yadav family and caused considerable embarrassment.
Tej Pratap’s Clashes with RJD Leaders
In 2021, Tej Pratap came into conflict with RJD state president Jagdanand Singh when Singh suspended Tej Pratap’s close associate, Akash Yadav. Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap’s younger brother, supported Jagdanand, which further deepened the rift within the family. The discord between the two brothers, fueled by their different political allegiances, has been a constant issue for the party.
In 2022-2023, Tej Pratap intensified his accusations, claiming that he was being sidelined politically. He accused Tejashwi’s ally, Sanjay Yadav, of plotting against him. Tej Pratap even labeled Sanjay Yadav as a “traitor” for his alleged role in undermining him. In May 2025, Tej Pratap was expelled from RJD and the family for six years after making irresponsible claims about his 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav.
Rohini Acharya’s Revolt Against the Family
The internal turmoil within the Yadav family reached new heights in September 2025 when Rohini Acharya, Lalu’s daughter, openly rebelled. Her frustration grew due to the increasing influence of Sanjay Yadav, a close aide of Tejashwi. In a dramatic move, Rohini unfollowed Lalu, Tejashwi, Tej Pratap, and Misa Bharti on social media, accusing Sanjay Yadav of being a “traitor” to the family.
This public outburst marked a new chapter in the family feud, and the situation escalated after the Bihar election defeat. In her social media post, Rohini Acharya leveled serious allegations against Sanjay Yadav and Rameez Nemat, accusing them of pushing her out of the family’s political affairs. She stated that she was quitting politics because these individuals had sidelined her and were unwilling to take responsibility for the party’s defeat.
The Growing Rift in Bihar’s Political Landscape
Rohini Acharya’s decision to distance herself from both her family and politics has added to the already tense atmosphere within the RJD. With the family now divided on multiple fronts, the future of the party and its leadership has become uncertain. The political dynamics in Bihar are rapidly changing, and this family feud is likely to have significant implications for the state’s politics in the coming years.
The rift within the Yadav family has not only impacted the internal dynamics of RJD but also shaken the political foundation of Bihar. The ongoing disputes between Lalu Yadav’s children, who are all vying for a greater political role, have given rise to questions about the future direction of the party. As RJD struggles to address these internal conflicts, it remains to be seen how the family drama will unfold and whether it will have long-term effects on the party’s influence in Bihar.
The latest fallout in the Yadav family marks a new chapter in the ongoing saga of internal discord that has plagued the RJD for years. What started as a rivalry between Tej Pratap and Tejashwi has now extended to involve other family members, including Rohini Acharya. As the family continues to unravel, it raises questions about the future of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political dynasty and whether the party can overcome these challenges to remain a dominant force in Bihar.
With increasing tension within the RJD, the focus now shifts to how the party will handle these internal divisions. The outcome of this family feud will likely determine the political fate of RJD in Bihar, especially as the state prepares for future elections.
