Bihar: Mrityunjay Tiwari joins BJP ahead of Bankipur bypoll

Patna: In a significant political development ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by‑election, former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ending his long association with the RJD.

Considered a close aide of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tiwari was formally inducted into the BJP by Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi at the party’s state headquarters.

The induction ceremony was attended by former Bihar minister Mangal Pandey, State General Secretary Preeti Shekhar, Rajesh Jha and several other BJP leaders.

Sharing photographs of the event, the Bihar BJP welcomed Mrityunjay Tiwari and other public representatives into the party, stating that they had joined inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Nation First” and public service.

Addressing the media after joining, Tiwari said he had made a lifelong commitment to the BJP. “I will now live and die in the BJP,” he declared, adding that he had received respect in the party that he would always remember.

Criticising his former party, he alleged that the RJD had become synonymous with dynastic politics and had turned into a “quagmire” from which committed workers should distance themselves before it was too late. He claimed that despite years of dedicated service, he had faced repeated humiliation within the party.

Welcoming him, State President Sanjay Saraogi said the BJP respects every worker who joins its ranks and expressed confidence that Tiwari’s political experience would strengthen the organisation.

Mrityunjay Tiwari had resigned from all his positions in the RJD on July 16, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning. At the time, he alleged that sincere and loyal workers no longer received due respect within the organisation.

He said he had raised concerns before RJD State President Mangni Lal Mandal and other senior office‑bearers, but no meaningful action was taken. He also claimed that Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav did not respond to the issues he had highlighted.

Explaining his decision to quit, he said politics could not be pursued under conditions of continuous humiliation. He recalled that RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav had entrusted him with key responsibilities as the party’s spokesperson and media in‑charge, and that he had worked diligently to present the party’s policies before the public.

Before leaving the RJD, Tiwari accused certain leaders within the party of weakening the organisation from within. He alleged that a section of the leadership had hollowed out the party like termites and claimed that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by such individuals, making it difficult for committed workers to continue functioning effectively.

IANS