The upcoming Bihar assembly elections are mirroring trends seen in recent electoral contests, particularly among long-standing parties and alliances. A notable pattern emerging is that of protégés turning against their mentors and loyalists engaging in internal squabbles, all driven by a quest for political relevance.
This phenomenon is evident across prominent parties like Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and even the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Political observers suggest this is largely due to the intense jockeying for party tickets as the November assembly elections draw nearer.
The Janata Dal (United), having been a consistent part of the ruling coalition for two decades, means the current NDA alliance is perceived as the long-term incumbent. Parties are strategically adapting to combat anti-incumbency by changing candidates. With two main alliances vying for power—and the Jan Suraaj party seen as a start-up that would need a miracle to make a significant impact—parties are finding themselves compelled to accommodate new partners, often leading to internal friction.
Reports indicate that supporters have expressed their anger towards sitting legislators from the RJD, JD(U), and BJP in various constituencies, including Masaurhi, Makhdumpur, Jehanabad, Rajgir, Vaishali, Samastipur, and Chhatapur. Political analyst Rajendra Prasad Singh views these public displays of anger as indicators of growing dissatisfaction within the electorate.
He further explained that discontent is palpable among mid-level leaders in the RJD, who feel that ticket distribution favors the family members of veteran leaders. These dedicated party workers, who have toiled for years, are reportedly frustrated by leaders lobbying for their children, seeking to break the cycle of dynastic politics.
Bhagalpur-based analyst Rajiv Siddharth links this internal turmoil to a broader generational shift in Bihar’s political landscape. He observes growing impatience among the younger political class towards established figures like Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad, with younger leaders seeking their rightful share of power after decades of the same faces. Ironically, these ambitious younger leaders were often mentored by the very figures they now aim to replace.
RJD leader Vijay Yadav pointed out that such issues are more pronounced among NDA allies, citing seat-sharing demands from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Hindustani Awaami Morcha. Conversely, BJP leader Santosh Pradhan characterized the RJD as a “private limited” political entity, prone to maximum internal dissent. He added that leaders like Tejashwi Yadav are focused on securing their position as heirs of Lalu Prasad, potentially hindering the next generation of leadership, which has turned ticket allocation into a contentious issue.
Disagreements are now openly visible, with posters criticizing sitting MLAs appearing in various towns, often put up by their own party workers. Social media platforms have become a new battleground for venting frustration, a stark contrast to earlier times when dissent was confined to private discussions, as noted by political observer Dhirendra Kumar from Patna.
A senior JD(U) leader from Nalanda warned that if left unaddressed, this internal crisis could have significant consequences. Given the tight competition expected between the Mahagathbandhan and the NDA, even minor internal sabotage could potentially sway election outcomes.