Why did Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter quit politics? Role of Sanjay Yadav | EXPLAINED

A day after the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) crushing defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, the political crisis within the party took a personal turn. Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, made a startling announcement on social media, stating she was quitting politics and severing ties with her family. This declaration came with a cryptic message, where she named two people- Sanjay Yadav and Rameez for allegedly prompting her to make this drastic decision. But who exactly is Sanjay Yadav, and why is he so central to this rift?
Rohini Acharya’s decision to quit politics
Rohini Acharya, a trained doctor who has long chosen to stay out of the political spotlight, posted on X, "I am quitting politics and disowning my family." In a revealing statement, she mentioned, “This is what Sanjay Yadav and Rameez had asked me to do, and I am taking all the blame.” While the tweet left much to the imagination, it was clear that the tension within the Yadav family was growing, especially following the RJD’s poor performance in the elections.
Though Acharya has kept many of the details about the dispute private, her decision seems linked to the internal strife within the RJD family, notably the expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav, her elder brother, from the party. Tej Pratap, who has had several public disagreements with RJD leadership, has been vocal in his criticism of Sanjay Yadav, even calling him a "Jaichand" (traitor) on more than one occasion.
What is the connection between Sanjay Yadav and the Lalu Yadav family
Sanjay Yadav, a close confidant and strategist of Tejashwi Yadav, the younger son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, seems to have played a major role in the current family fallout. While the details remain unclear, it is alleged that Yadav’s influence on Tejashwi has led to tensions within the family. Sanjay Yadav is widely considered one of Tejashwi’s most trusted aides, and some insiders believe his influence in the party may be a source of friction with other family members, including Rohini Acharya and Tej Pratap Yadav.
In a cryptic message, Rohini pointed out that Sanjay and Rameez had suggested she sever ties with her family. The mention of these names has only deepened speculation regarding the personal and political dynamics within the Yadav family.
Who is Sanjay Yadav?
Sanjay Yadav, originally from Mahendragarh, Haryana, is a key player in the political strategies of Tejashwi Yadav. Known for his sharp political acumen, Yadav is often credited with helping Tejashwi rise through the ranks of the RJD, despite the party's challenges. His journey from an IT professional to a Rajya Sabha MP on the RJD ticket reflects his growing influence within the party.
Sanjay Yadav's rise to prominence is linked to his close friendship with Tejashwi, which began during Tejashwi’s cricketing days in Delhi. He later became not just a friend but a key strategist for Tejashwi, managing his public image and political campaigns. In fact, it was Sanjay’s efforts that helped build a strong rapport between Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar before the JD(U) leader's eventual switch to the NDA.
Yadav’s role within the party has often kept him in the background, but his influence on Tejashwi Yadav's decisions is undeniable. Before entering politics, Sanjay had worked with an IT firm and even pursued a cricketing career through the IPL.
Who is Rameez
Alongside Sanjay Yadav, Rameez is said to have played a major role in the internal dynamics of the Yadav family. Rameez is an old friend of Tejashwi Yadav and hails from a political family in Uttar Pradesh. While Rameez’s exact role in the current family dispute remains unclear, his name has come up alongside Sanjay in Rohini Acharya’s controversial post.
What does this political fallout mean for the Yadav family?
Rohini Acharya’s decision to quit politics, if indeed driven by the influence of Sanjay Yadav and Rameez, could be a major blow to the RJD’s internal unity. It highlights the growing divide within the party, where personal feuds are beginning to spill over into the political sphere.
While the RJD leadership has not yet responded officially to Rohini's announcement, the situation has drawn attention from both political analysts and the general public.