RJD in crisis after Bihar defeat as JD(U) launches “Operation Teer” to pull disgruntled leaders
RJD
After a heavy setback in the Bihar elections, RJD is facing internal unrest while JD(U) begins “Operation Teer” to attract dissatisfied leaders and consolidate its position.
Patna, November 29, 2025 – The Rashtriya Janata Dal is facing one of its toughest phases after its crushing loss in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The results, which left the party with far fewer seats than expected, have triggered serious internal turmoil. Senior leaders have begun a round of internal reviews to understand how the party’s strong vote share failed to translate into victories. Meetings have been held with both winning and losing candidates, and many have been asked to submit written feedback on what went wrong on the ground.
Early discussions inside the party point to issues such as weak booth management, internal rivalry, complaints over candidate selection and a lack of coordination with alliance partners. Several RJD workers believe local disputes and factional behaviour hampered the campaign more than external factors. Others argue that the party failed to counter the organised and welfare-centred narrative of the JD(U)-BJP alliance, which ultimately secured a sweeping mandate in the state.
While RJD deals with its internal challenges, JD(U) has started what party insiders are informally calling “Operation Teer,” an outreach plan aimed at identifying and attracting disenchanted RJD leaders. Local reports suggest that mid-level organisers, district coordinators and a few senior workers have already been approached. Although JD(U) has not officially commented on the operation, the political atmosphere in Patna indicates that the party is keen on strengthening its cadre base before the next electoral cycle.
RJD leaders acknowledge the danger of defections. With morale low and several leaders frustrated, the party is trying to prevent further damage by urging workers to wait for the organisational overhaul that is expected soon. Tejashwi Yadav has reportedly asked district units to hold meetings and calm down agitated cadres, but uncertainty remains. Political analysts say that unless RJD resolves its internal tensions quickly, JD(U) and BJP could gain further ground in areas where the margins were narrow.
The election outcome has also shifted the mood among voters. The JD(U)-BJP alliance, which won an overwhelming majority, is now projecting the victory as a clear mandate for stability and development. Their messaging has focused on the trust placed by backward-caste communities and first-time voters, groups that RJD believed it had strong support from. The shift in these sections has become one of the biggest concerns for RJD strategists as they attempt to rebuild.
Meanwhile, JD(U)’s outreach appears to be part of a larger realignment where parties seek to consolidate influence immediately after an election, anticipating future political battles. The possibility of mid-term shifts or by-elections makes such manoeuvres even more significant.
For RJD, the coming weeks will decide whether this defeat becomes a phase of reorganisation or the beginning of a deeper decline. The pressure is high on the leadership to stabilise the party, reassure loyal workers and prevent further defections. With JD(U) actively moving to take advantage of the situation, the political landscape in Bihar is shifting rapidly, and the aftershocks of the 2025 election are far from over.
