Patna, October 10, 2025 – In a significant setback to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) ahead of the state assembly elections, the son of sitting JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav from Banka has joined the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Chanakya Prakash Ranjan made the switch during a high-profile event at the RJD headquarters, attended by Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who welcomed him warmly.Levi's Men's Slim Fit Mid Rise 511 Mid-Rise Jeans

Ranjan, speaking after taking RJD membership, described Tejashwi as "like my elder brother," signaling a personal bond that influenced his decision. He joins alongside other prominent defectors, including former JD(U) MP from Purnea Santosh Kushwaha, former JD(U) MLA from Ghosi Rahul Sharma, and ex-Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidate Ajay Kushwaha from Vaishali. Thousands of supporters accompanied the group, amplifying the event's impact.Also Read: "I Never Asked for the Nobel," Says Trump After Missing Out on the Prize

Key Details of the Switch:

Chanakya Prakash Ranjan: As the son of JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav, his defection highlights deepening rifts within the party. Speculation is rife that RJD may field him as a candidate from a key seat in the upcoming polls, potentially challenging his father's influence in Banka.

Santosh Kushwaha: A two-term MP from Purnea (2014–2024), Kushwaha cited sidelining of backward and extremely backward class leaders in JD(U) as his reason for leaving. His move is expected to bolster RJD's presence in the Seemanchal region, where he holds sway among the Kushwaha community.

Rahul Sharma: Son of former JD(U) MP Jagdish Sharma from Jehanabad, the ex-MLA from Ghosi emphasized Tejashwi's promises of jobs for every household as a key motivator. This marks the second major Bhumihar leader to defect to RJD recently, after Sajeev Kumar.

Ajay Kushwaha: Previously with LJP (RV), he criticized former leader Chirag Paswan's inconsistent stance toward Nitish Kumar, aligning instead with RJD's social justice agenda.

Tejashwi hailed the new members as a "great value addition" to RJD, stating they would strengthen the party's commitment to social justice. He launched a veiled attack on Nitish Kumar, claiming the JD(U) chief has "lost his senses" and that his party is fragmenting under BJP influence. "Those who nurtured JD(U) are no longer respected... My uncle [Nitish] has been hijacked," Tejashwi remarked, alluding to past alliances and betrayals.