Speculation about new RJD boss rife

After a chargesheet was filed against Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, among other family members, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) involving the heir apparent of RJD boss Lalu Prasad in the IRCTC hotel deal case, questions are being raised over who will manage the party and be made political heir of former Chief Minister.

The CBI too has filed chargesheet against Tejashwi who is facing cases pertaining to unaccounted properties, many of them already seized. In the political circles this has become a debating topic who after Tejashwi if Lalu’s youngest son is convicted and arrested.

Tejashwi, who was unofficially declared as leader of RJD because of the conviction of Lalu, was elected as leader of legislature party and leader of Opposition in the Assembly in July last, served as Deputy CM in Nitish Kumar Cabinet for a period of over one year. 

The Lalu family is in deep trouble; Lalu convicted thrice and sentenced to altogether 27 years imprisonment, wife Rabri Devi also chargesheeted, elder daughter and MP Misa Bharti also in the dragnet of CBI and ED and Tejashwi who is practically leading the party too has been charge sheeted. The crisis has deepened when the general election is nearing.  

The ED on last Friday filed chargesheet with Patiala House Court against Lalu, Rabri and Tejashwi under Prevention of Money Laundering Act. There is speculation that trial will soon be started. Under this Act there is provision of sentencing of minimum three years and maximum of seven years.

While Lalu is on way back to Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi at the order of the court, talks have started in RJD circles who will lead the party and since there is dynastic principle in the party the person would definitely be from Lalu family barring Lalu, Rabri and Tejashwi. Misa Bharti too is involved in the cases so she is also out of question and Lalu’s other six daughters, all married, have little say in the politics. Finally the couple’s eldest son Tej Pratap Yadav, who is an MLA and former Health Minister, seems to be natural choice. But family feud is not ruled out in process of selection of a leader. Tej has already expressed his displeasure over the happenings in the family and in the party and apparently he was unhappy over all attention to his younger brother and he himself being side-lined by the parents and party leaders. It is also alleged that Tej, who was married a few months back to Aishwarya Rai the granddaughter of former CM Daroga Prasad Rai, was vouching his strong sentiments under the influence of his wife who has political ambitions.