As the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) commemorates its 28th foundation day, a look back shows the party's varying fortunes since Lalu Prasad Yadav founded it in 1997.
Initially successful, the RJD was founded in the midst of the political turmoil caused by the fodder scam, and Yadav's leadership garnered a lot of support. But since 2005, the party has struggled to recover traction in Bihar politics due to a series of election failures.
“The RJD won 16 seats in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, but by 2019, it had lost all of them. This autumn is indicative of the party's struggles to hold onto support from the public and adjust to shifting political landscapes.”
Yadav is still a key member of the party in spite of his legal issues and diminished influence. Although his early leadership laid a solid basis, ensuing internal and external difficulties have made sustained success difficult.
In conclusion, the past 28 years of the RJD's journey have been characterized by early victories and ongoing challenges. The party's future success will depend on its capacity to resolve internal conflicts and adjust to the changing political environment.
