Shyam Rajak Rejoins JD(U) After Leaving RJD

Former Bihar minister Shyam Rajak has rejoined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), less than two weeks after leaving Lalu Prasad's RJD. Rajak's return is seen as a boost for JD(U) among Mahadalits. Rajak cited feeling 'stifled and insulted' in the RJD as his reason for leaving.

In a significant political move, former Bihar minister Shyam Rajak has rejoined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), just days after exiting Lalu Prasad's RJD.

Rajak, who was previously expelled from the JD(U) and the state cabinet in 2020, was welcomed back into the party by national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha. Jha emphasized that Rajak's grassroots support will fortify the party, especially among Mahadalits, a group recognized as a separate category by Nitish Kumar.

Expressing his discontent with the RJD, Rajak remarked that he felt 'stifled and insulted' within the party, criticizing its alleged corruption and dynasty rule. Despite RJD's accusations that he returned to JD(U) for power, Rajak defended his decision, citing his abandonment of a ministerial berth in favor of joining the RJD previously.

(With inputs from agencies.)