Tejashwi returns to social media with New Year wishes

Patna: Leader of the opposition in Bihar assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who has been largely absent from the state’s political scene for about a month following the announcement of the assembly poll results, resurfaced on Thursday via his social media accounts to extend New Year greetings to the people of Bihar and his well-wishers.“Let’s all welcome the New Year with new resolutions, thoughts, and beliefs. May the New Year 2026 be auspicious, joyful, and fruitful for all of you,” Tejashwi posted. He added, “May every day of the New Year bring new enthusiasm, new light, new energy, new hope, along with new dreams, new aspirations, happiness, and passion, as well as joy, peace, success, harmony, prosperity, and progress into your life.”Tejashwi did not comment on his whereabouts, his activities, or the party’s future strategy following RJD’s poor performance in the elections. The party and his family remained largely silent on these issues.Analysts said the RJD leader, being the party's chief ministerial face and political successor to RJD president Lalu Prasad, faces serious challenges amid claims by the NDA that many party lawmakers are in touch with them. Agriculture minister and BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav claimed, “All the 25 RJD MLAs are in touch with the BJP.”Experts highlighted three major challenges for Tejashwi. First, keeping the RJD intact despite a reduced number of legislators. “This crushing defeat not only exposes organisational weaknesses but also raises serious questions on Tejashwi's leadership, strategy, and future politics,” an analyst said.The second challenge is to prevent a split in the Muslim-Yadav vote bank, historically the RJD’s key support. Analysts noted that Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM won five seats in Seemanchal, splitting Muslim votes, while Yadav votes appeared divided elsewhere, influenced by the Rs 10,000 grant to 1.40 crore women entrepreneurs.The third challenge is managing potential rebellion within the family and party. Tejashwi’s absence drew criticism, particularly after his sister Rohini Acharya left her parents’ home, blaming her brother and his associates. “Everything looks in disarray right now, and it will indeed take time for Tejashwi to set all things right,” an expert said.