As Bihar prepared for its assembly election results in early November 2025, veteran RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav adopted a notably different political stance. While his son Tejashwi led the campaign efforts, the ailing patriarch remained largely out of the spotlight at the family residence in Patna. Lalu firmly stated that tackling unemployment would be the Mahagathbandhan government's top priority if elected. More significantly, he categorically ruled out any future alliance with former ally Nitish Kumar, declaring the RJD would not accept him again and maintained no contact with the JD(U) leader. Despite this public rejection, speculation persisted across Bihar about potential political realignments depending on election outcomes. The relationship between Lalu and Nitish has defined Bihar politics for over three decades, with both leaders alternating between rivalry and collaboration. Meanwhile, the RJD deliberately kept Lalu away from campaign materials and public events to project a modern image through Tejashwi, who focused on employment and expanded the party's traditional Muslim-Yadav base to include women and youth. The election marked a generational transition, though both aging leaders continued dominating political discourse despite health challenges.
Unemployment Focus and No Reunion with Nitish Kumar
Lalu Prasad Yadav, speaking from his wife Rabri Devi's official residence at 10, Circular Road in Patna, announced that removing unemployment would be the primary objective if the Mahagathbandhan won. Looking grim and restless due to ongoing health issues, he firmly rejected any possibility of reuniting with Nitish Kumar. He stated the RJD would not accept Nitish again and confirmed no ongoing contact between the two parties. However, Bihar witnessed widespread speculation about Nitish potentially switching sides if the BJP denied him the chief minister position after an NDA victory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's earlier statement that newly elected MLAs would choose the chief minister had created uncertainty, though subsequent NDA leaders reassured Nitish would lead if the coalition won.
Three Decades of Political Partnership and Rivalry
Lalu and Nitish have shaped Bihar politics for 35 years through a complex relationship mixing opposition and mutual support. Nitish maintained the Yadav family's relevance by allying with RJD in 2015 and 2022, making Tejashwi deputy chief minister both times. Meanwhile, Lalu allowed Nitish to lead their coalition government rather than claiming the top post for RJD. Nitish built his own support base among Kurmi-Koeri communities, Extremely Backward Classes, and Mahadalits, compensating for his small Kurmi community representing just 2.8 percent of the population compared to Lalu's Yadav base exceeding 14 percent. Since RJD refuses BJP partnership, whoever JD(U) allies with typically forms the government, with Nitish remaining chief minister in recent years.
Source: Link