Saralnama
Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, known as Pappu Yadav, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav showed signs of reconciliation during a recent event in Araria, Bihar, where Pappu Yadav addressed Tejashwi as “jannayak” (people’s leader). This followed earlier tensions when Pappu Yadav was denied a Congress ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Purnia, a seat allocated to RJD under the INDIA alliance, prompting him to contest and win as an Independent. The Congress party sees Pappu Yadav’s influence in the Seemanchal-Kosi region as a potential asset to increase its seat tally in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. Despite past frosty relations and public disagreements, including Pappu Yadav’s criticism of the Election Commission and the RJD, recent meetings with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and the warm gesture from Tejashwi suggest a possible political rapprochement. Pappu Yadav’s electoral success and regional influence remain significant factors in Bihar’s evolving political landscape ahead of the polls scheduled later this year. (Updated 25 Aug 2025, 15:08 IST; source: link)