The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is one of India’s most prominent regional political parties, primarily rooted in Bihar but with influence in neighboring states like Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Founded by Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1997, RJD emerged as a critical force in Indian politics, shaping Bihar’s political landscape for over two decades. The party represents the voice of the socially marginalized, backward classes, and underprivileged communities, particularly championing the rights of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits.
The story of the RJD is not just a political journey, but also a reflection of India’s complex caste dynamics, regionalism, and the changing nature of Indian electoral politics.
Historical Context: Pre-Formation Background
The roots of RJD lie in the political turmoil and realignment within Indian National Congress (INC) and the rise of socialist politics in Bihar during the 1970s and 1980s. The emergence of caste-based politics in the Hindi heartland was central to RJD’s formation.
1. Emergence of Caste Politics and the Mandal Commission
During the 1980s, Indian politics saw a shift with the introduction of Mandal Commission recommendations, which aimed to provide reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions. This move divided Indian politics along caste lines, with pro-Mandal and anti-Mandal forces taking shape.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, then a member of the Janata Dal, became a key player in the pro-Mandal movement. He rose to prominence in Bihar as a strong advocate of OBC rights, leveraging his identity as a Yadav, a dominant OBC caste, to rally support from marginalized groups in the state.
2. Janata Dal and Internal Conflict
The Janata Dal, formed in 1988, was a coalition of various socialist and regional parties that opposed the Congress. The party played a key role in the implementation of the Mandal Commission report. However, internal factions and personality clashes began to emerge, particularly between leaders like V. P. Singh (then Prime Minister) and regional satraps like Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar.
By the mid-1990s, differences over leadership and ideology within the Janata Dal deepened. Lalu, who was the Chief Minister of Bihar, faced increasing criticism from within his party, particularly from leaders like Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar.
Formation of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD): 1997
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s fallout with the Janata Dal leadership culminated in his decision to break away and form a new party. On July 5, 1997, Lalu Prasad Yadav founded the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Delhi. The RJD was established as a party that would represent the backward castes, minorities, and marginalized communities.
The immediate catalyst for RJD’s formation was the infamous “fodder scam” (a corruption scandal involving the embezzlement of government funds meant for cattle fodder). As the scam unfolded, Lalu Prasad Yadav found himself embroiled in legal troubles. Despite his indictment in the fodder scam, Lalu retained a significant base of support among Bihar’s backward castes, particularly the Yadav community, which saw him as a symbol of empowerment against upper-caste dominance.
Lalu’s charisma and his populist image enabled him to quickly build a solid political platform. His appeal extended to Muslims, Dalits, and marginalized sections of society, who saw in him a leader who would protect their interests.
The Ideology of RJD: Social Justice and Empowerment
From its inception, the RJD has positioned itself as a champion of social justice, focusing on the empowerment of historically disadvantaged communities. The party’s core ideology revolves around the upliftment of OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims, advocating for reservation policies and equitable representation in politics, education, and employment.
1. Anti-Communalism
Lalu Prasad Yadav consistently framed the RJD as a party that opposed the politics of communalism, particularly targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 and subsequent communal riots had polarized Indian politics, with Lalu positioning himself as a staunch opponent of the BJP’s Hindutva ideology. He repeatedly claimed credit for arresting L. K. Advani during the Ram Rath Yatra in Bihar in 1990, which was seen as a bold move to prevent communal unrest in the state.
2. Empowering the Marginalized
Under Lalu’s leadership, the RJD emphasized Mandal politics, which sought to improve the socio-economic conditions of backward castes. This focus helped the party build a solid support base among the Yadavs, Kurmis, and other backward classes, as well as sections of the Dalit and Muslim populations, who felt alienated by the dominance of upper-caste politics in Bihar.
Lalu’s slogan, “Yadav Raj” (Yadav rule), reflected this aspiration, with his administration symbolizing a shift in power from the upper castes to backward communities. Lalu’s pro-Mandal stance reinforced the perception of RJD as a party that represented the voice of the downtrodden.
RJD’s Political Journey: Rise to Power
Lalu Prasad Yadav had already served as Chief Minister of Bihar from 1990 under the Janata Dal banner. After the formation of RJD in 1997, he continued to wield significant influence over Bihar’s politics.
1. Lalu’s Continued Dominance
Despite his indictment in the fodder scam, Lalu Prasad Yadav retained his hold over Bihar’s politics. He was re-elected in 1995, and when the fodder scam threatened his tenure in 1997, he appointed his wife, Rabri Devi, as Chief Minister of Bihar, marking a unique political move that ensured his control over the state’s administration even when he faced legal challenges.
Rabri Devi served as Chief Minister from 1997 to 2005, with Lalu continuing to act as the de facto leader of the state. Under their combined rule, RJD cemented its influence across Bihar, particularly in rural areas where Lalu’s brand of populism and direct communication with the masses resonated strongly.
2. 2000 Assembly Elections: RJD’s Peak
The 2000 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections marked the peak of RJD’s dominance. Lalu Prasad Yadav, despite ongoing corruption charges, managed to rally support from his base and won a third consecutive term for the RJD. The party emerged as the single-largest party, securing 124 seats in the 243-member assembly. Rabri Devi continued as Chief Minister, and Lalu remained a key figure in national politics as well, with his role as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Chhapra.
RJD’s control over Bihar during this period was marked by a blend of populist policies, emphasis on social justice, and the creation of a robust caste-based political machinery that allowed Lalu to retain influence despite growing criticism of his government’s performance.
Challenges and Decline: 2005-2010
While RJD’s influence in Bihar was at its zenith in the early 2000s, cracks began to appear in its political dominance. Widespread allegations of corruption, administrative inefficiency, and the deteriorating law and order situation under Rabri Devi’s rule eroded the party’s support base.
1. The Rise of Nitish Kumar and JD(U)
Lalu’s long-time associate, Nitish Kumar, who had broken away from Lalu to form the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), emerged as a formidable political rival. Nitish Kumar successfully built a coalition of backward castes, Dalits, and upper-caste voters by focusing on governance, development, and law and order—issues that RJD had largely neglected.
In the 2005 Bihar Assembly elections, Nitish Kumar, in alliance with the BJP, managed to oust the RJD from power. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar, formed the government, ending RJD’s 15-year rule over Bihar. This marked a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape, with good governance becoming the central issue in state elections.
2. The 2010 Elections and Further Decline
The 2010 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections further cemented RJD’s decline. Lalu’s party faced a crushing defeat, securing only 22 seats in the 243-member assembly, while the Nitish Kumar-led NDA won a landslide victory. The electorate’s shift towards a governance-centric agenda and away from caste-based politics marked a significant change in Bihar’s political discourse.
RJD’s Role in Opposition and the Grand Alliance
Despite the setbacks in state elections, Lalu Prasad Yadav remained a prominent figure in national politics. The RJD continued to be a key player in alliances against the BJP, and Lalu played a pivotal role in forging the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar in 2015.
1. 2015 Elections: A Brief Resurgence
In the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, RJD joined hands with JD(U) and the Congress to form the Grand Alliance, positioning itself against the BJP. The alliance proved successful, securing a decisive victory over the
The Rise and Formation of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD): A Comprehensive Journey
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), founded on July 5, 1997, by Lalu Prasad Yadav, is a prominent regional political party in India, primarily based in Bihar. RJD emerged as a major player in Bihar’s political landscape, largely due to its appeal among the backward classes, particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and marginalized communities. Over time, the party has shaped the socio-political dynamics of the state by championing social justice, affirmative action, and minority rights.
The Political Landscape Before RJD: Background and Catalysts
To understand the formation of the RJD, it is essential to recognize the political atmosphere in Bihar during the late 1980s and 1990s. Bihar’s politics at the time was characterized by the growing assertion of backward castes, fueled by the Mandal Commission report of 1990, which recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. This ignited a political battle between pro-Mandal and anti-Mandal factions.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, a young leader from the Yadav caste, a powerful OBC community in Bihar, rose to prominence by championing the cause of the marginalized sections. His role in the Janata Dal and his vocal support for the Mandal Commission’s recommendations positioned him as a strong political force, particularly among the Yadavs, Kurmis, Dalits, and Muslims.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Early Political Career
Lalu began his political journey with the Indian National Congress (INC) but soon shifted to the socialist movement under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan during the Emergency (1975-77). His involvement in the Bihar Movement of the 1970s, led by Narayan, provided him with a political platform and recognition. In 1990, he became the Chief Minister of Bihar, under the banner of Janata Dal, at a time when caste dynamics were rapidly changing in Indian politics.
Lalu’s tenure as Chief Minister was defined by his populist style and advocacy for the backward classes, positioning him as a key pro-Mandal leader. However, internal friction within Janata Dal over leadership and ideological issues became apparent as Lalu’s personal influence grew. His increasing dominance in Bihar politics and control over the state machinery were seen as reasons for growing dissent within Janata Dal.
The Formation of RJD: A Reaction to the Fodder Scam and Political Divisions
The immediate catalyst for the formation of RJD was the infamous fodder scam, a corruption scandal involving the embezzlement of over ₹900 crore from government funds meant for animal fodder. As the chief minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav became embroiled in the scam, leading to mounting pressure from within Janata Dal for his resignation.
However, instead of stepping down, Lalu decided to break away from the Janata Dal and form his own political party—Rashtriya Janata Dal—in 1997. His loyalists, including a significant number of Janata Dal MLAs, followed him, cementing RJD as a formidable political entity.
A Party of the Marginalized
The founding principle of RJD was to represent the interests of the marginalized and backward communities, particularly the OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims. Lalu’s populist rhetoric, often targeted at the Brahminical dominance in Indian politics, resonated deeply with these communities. His slogan of “social justice” became the cornerstone of RJD’s political ideology, with Lalu positioning himself as a messiah for the backward classes.
In its early years, RJD enjoyed tremendous support from these groups, particularly due to Lalu’s ability to connect with the masses in rural Bihar. The party’s rise also coincided with a shift in Bihar’s caste-based power dynamics, where upper castes, who had traditionally held political and economic power, were increasingly being challenged by the OBCs and Dalits.
The Dominance of RJD in Bihar Politics (1997-2005)
RJD’s dominance in Bihar’s political scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s was largely due to Lalu’s charisma and his deep connection with the electorate. Despite being embroiled in the fodder scam, Lalu retained a strong voter base. His decision to appoint his wife, Rabri Devi, as Chief Minister in 1997, when he had to step down due to legal issues, was seen as a strategic move to retain control over the government.
1998 and 1999 General Elections
In the general elections of 1998 and 1999, RJD fared well in Bihar, securing a significant number of seats in the Lok Sabha, largely due to the support of the Yadav-Muslim-Dalit combine. Lalu’s ability to consolidate Muslim votes by positioning himself as a staunch opponent of Hindutva politics and the BJP further strengthened RJD’s political base. He frequently reminded voters of his role in arresting L. K. Advani during his Ram Rath Yatra in 1990, a moment that became symbolic of his anti-communal stance.
The 2000 Bihar Assembly Elections
The 2000 Bihar Assembly elections marked the peak of RJD’s political dominance. The party, under Rabri Devi’s leadership, emerged as the single-largest party, securing 124 seats in the 243-member assembly. Despite challenges from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Nitish Kumar’s Samata Party, RJD managed to retain control of the state.
Challenges and Decline: 2005-2010
The mid-2000s saw a significant decline in RJD’s political fortunes. Bihar’s worsening law and order situation, administrative inefficiencies, and allegations of rampant corruption under the Lalu-Rabri regime created disillusionment among voters. The state’s poor infrastructure and lack of development were often cited as evidence of “Jungle Raj”, a term frequently used by RJD’s political opponents to describe the lawlessness in the state.
Nitish Kumar’s Emergence
Lalu’s long-time associate, Nitish Kumar, who had parted ways with him in the mid-1990s, emerged as his main political rival. Nitish’s Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), in alliance with the BJP, positioned itself as an alternative to RJD by focusing on governance, law and order, and development.
In the 2005 Bihar Assembly elections, Nitish Kumar’s coalition decisively defeated RJD, ending its 15-year rule in the state. Nitish’s promise of good governance, coupled with a focus on development and infrastructure, resonated with the electorate, particularly the middle class and urban voters, who had grown weary of Lalu’s populist style of politics.
2010 Elections: A Crushing Defeat
The 2010 Bihar Assembly elections marked the lowest point in RJD’s political journey. The party, now facing a more developed and stable Bihar under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, was reduced to just 22 seats in the 243-member assembly. Lalu’s brand of caste-based politics seemed to be losing its appeal, particularly as Nitish’s development-oriented governance model gained popularity.
RJD’s Role in Opposition and the Grand Alliance (2015)
Despite the decline, Lalu Prasad Yadav remained a significant figure in national and regional politics. In the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, RJD joined hands with JD(U) and Congress to form the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), positioning itself as an anti-BJP front.
2015: A Resurgence
The Grand Alliance proved to be successful, with RJD emerging as the largest party in the assembly, securing 80 seats. Lalu’s son, Tejashwi Yadav, played a key role in the election campaign, signaling the party’s shift towards a new generation of leadership. Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister once again, but the alliance was seen as a major comeback for RJD.
Lalu’s Legal Troubles and RJD’s Future
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s conviction in the fodder scam in 2017 once again brought the party’s future into question. However, under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, RJD has continued to remain relevant in Bihar politics. Tejashwi, with his focus on unemployment and youth issues, has managed to attract younger voters.
Conclusion
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has had a tumultuous yet significant journey in Indian politics. From its formation in 1997, amidst political chaos and corruption scandals, to its dominance in Bihar’s political landscape, RJD has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s socio-political dynamics. Its focus on social justice, empowerment of the marginalized, and opposition to communal politics helped it build a strong support base. However, the party’s decline in the mid-2000s and its recent struggles show the challenges it faces in adapting to the changing aspirations of Bihar’s electorate.
Under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, RJD is now entering a new phase, aiming to re-establish itself as a formidable force in Bihar’s political arena. The party’s future will depend on its ability to address governance issues and adapt to the changing political landscape of India.
