Rohini Acharya Announces Exit from Politics After RJD’s Major Defeat in Bihar

Patna: In the aftermath of the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) heavy defeat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, party founder Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, has announced her decision to quit politics and distance herself from her family. In a strongly worded statement, she declared that she was taking “full responsibility for the defeat.” Rohini also issued sharp criticism against Sanjay Yadav — a close aide to her brother Tejashwi Yadav — and another associate named Rameez.

Direct Allegations Against Sanjay Yadav

Taking to the social media platform X, Rohini wrote:
“I am leaving politics and severing ties with my family. Sanjay Yadav and Rameez demanded this from me… I take full responsibility for everything.”

Political observers believe her dramatic announcement is intended to pressure Tejashwi Yadav into taking disciplinary action against Sanjay Yadav, who is widely perceived within the party as a disruptive influence.

During Tejashwi’s recent ‘Tejashwi Yatra,’ Rohini had publicly questioned why Sanjay Yadav was seen occupying a prime seat on Tejashwi’s campaign vehicle. Party insiders have long suggested that she believes Sanjay holds undue control over her brother’s decision-making.

There are no indications that Lalu Prasad Yadav or Rabri Devi have pushed Tejashwi to act against Sanjay. Against this backdrop, Rohini’s declaration of cutting family ties is being interpreted as an emotional attempt to compel her parents to intervene in the growing internal discord.

Who Is Rohini Acharya?

Rohini is a medical graduate who lives in Singapore with her husband and children. She gained national attention several years ago when she donated a kidney to her father, Lalu Prasad. Although residing abroad, she remains an influential voice among RJD supporters.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she contested from Saran on an RJD ticket but lost to BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

Widening Rift in the Yadav Family

Rohini’s latest remarks have further deepened the divisions within the Yadav family. Earlier this year, Lalu Prasad expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family for six years following a controversy over a social media post alleging his involvement with a young woman.

Tej Pratap responded by launching his own platform, ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav,’ and later floated the Janshakti Janata Dal, contesting the elections independently — a move that failed to make any significant impact.

RJD’s Major Setback in the 2025 Elections

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U), swept the 2025 Assembly elections, defeating the Mahagathbandhan comprising the RJD, Congress, and other allies.

According to the final tally, the NDA secured 202 seats, marking one of the alliance’s strongest performances in over a decade. The BJP won 89 seats, followed by JD(U) with 85. In contrast, the RJD managed only 25 seats, while the Congress was reduced to a mere six.

In a post-defeat message on X, the RJD stated that public service is “an unending process and an eternal journey,” adding that wins and losses are a natural part of political life.
“We neither grieve defeat nor boast of victory,” the party said, reaffirming its commitment to continue championing the rights of marginalized communities.