Rashtriya Janata Dal
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is a Bihar-based political party founded in 1997 after a split in the Janata Dal. Led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, the party is a major political force in Bihar and advocates social justice, secularism, welfare and representation of socially disadvantaged communities.
Party President
Party History
- 1997Formation
Lalu Prasad Yadav founded the Rashtriya Janata Dal on 5 July 1997 after a split in the Janata Dal.
- 2000Rabri Devi becomes Chief Minister
Rabri Devi became Bihar Chief Minister and led the RJD government in the state.
- 2004Strong Lok Sabha performance
RJD won 24 Lok Sabha seats in the 2004 general election and became an important constituent of the United Progressive Alliance government.
- 2015Mahagathbandhan government
RJD formed the Bihar government in alliance with JD(U) and Congress after the 2015 Assembly election.
- 2017Change of government
Nitish Kumar left the Mahagathbandhan and formed a government with BJP, leaving RJD in opposition.
- 2020Bihar Assembly election
RJD emerged as the single largest party in the Bihar Assembly with 75 seats.
- 2022Return to Bihar government
Nitish Kumar rejoined hands with RJD and other Mahagathbandhan parties, bringing RJD back into the Bihar government.
- 2024Lok Sabha election
RJD won four Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general election.
- 2025Bihar Assembly election
RJD won 25 seats in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election and became the principal opposition party.
- 2026Generational transition
Tejashwi Yadav was appointed National Working President in January 2026, while Lalu Prasad Yadav remained National President.
Top Leadership
- LPLalu Prasad Yadav
- TPTejashwi Prasad Yadav
- RDRabri Devi
- ABAbdul Bari Siddiqui
Election Performance
(Lok Sabha)State-wise Strength
(1 states)- Bihar
Financial Overview
No financial statements on record.
Organisational Structure
A network reaching from the national council down to booth level.
Major Policies & Agenda
RJD places social justice, political representation and empowerment of disadvantaged communities at the centre of its political programme.
The party advocates secular politics and opposes communal polarisation.
RJD supports welfare programmes and public investment in health, education, employment and social protection.
The party advocates equality and representation for backward classes, Dalits, minorities and other marginalised communities.
The party emphasises employment generation, economic development and improved public services.
Ideology & Vision
RJD seeks to build a socially just and inclusive society based on equality, secularism, welfare, representation and development.
Alliances
- MahagathbandhanCurrent opposition alliance in Bihar · since 2015
- INDIANational opposition grouping · since 2023
Symbol & Colours
- Green
- White
Connect with RJD
Key Highlights
Past Presidents
(1)- Lalu Prasad Yadav – present
All information is sourced from official and public records.