Former JDU MP Santosh Kushwaha to Join RJD Ahead of Bihar Elections

Just weeks before the crucial Bihar assembly elections 2025, the state’s political landscape is set for a major change. Former JDU MP Santosh Kushwaha is all set to join the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), signaling a significant setback for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United). Along with him, the sons of two other influential political figures are also expected to join the opposition camp, adding to the momentum of the RJD.

According to sources, Rahul Sharma, son of former Jahanabad MP Jagdish Sharma, and Chanakya Prakash Ranjan, son of current Banka JDU MP Girdhari Yadav, are also likely to switch sides and formally enter the RJD fold. This strategic alignment could have wide-reaching implications for party equations across Bihar.

As per insider reports, a formal induction ceremony is scheduled for today, where senior RJD leaders are expected to officially welcome the new entrants at a public gathering. The event is likely to be attended by Tejashwi Yadav, who has been actively strengthening the RJD’s base ahead of the upcoming elections.

Kushwaha’s move holds special significance since he has been one of JDU’s most influential faces in the Purnea region. His defection to RJD could disrupt JDU’s organizational structure and voter base in the area, especially among the communities that had strongly supported him in previous elections.

Both Rahul Sharma and Chanakya Prakash Ranjan bring political lineage and grassroots-level influence to the table. Rahul Sharma, notably, has also served as an MLA in the past. Their inclusion in the RJD is expected to inject renewed energy into the party’s youth and regional cadre.

RJD’s Strategic Move Ahead of Polls

Political observers view this development as a well-timed strategy by the RJD to fortify its organizational strength by inducting seasoned leaders with a strong local following. With Bihar’s multi-phase election approaching, such moves could prove crucial in consolidating RJD’s position in key districts like Purnea, Banka, and Jahanabad.

The timing of the defection is critical, as the JDU–BJP alliance is still finalizing its seat-sharing agreement. The JDU has tasked the BJP with concluding discussions with allies such as Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha. According to sources, these talks are progressing positively, and a final list of candidates is expected soon.

Upcoming Election Timeline

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to release its first list of candidates on October 13. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases — on November 6 and November 11 — with results scheduled to be announced on November 14. The tenure of the current 243-member Bihar Assembly will officially end on November 22.

As the state heads into election mode, the defection of Santosh Kushwaha and other key figures marks yet another turning point in Bihar’s dynamic political narrative. With shifting loyalties and new alliances emerging, the coming weeks promise to be decisive for both the ruling coalition and the opposition.

Observers suggest that the RJD’s growing recruitment drive of influential leaders could reshape voter sentiment in several constituencies, setting the stage for a closely contested election battle.