Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is strategically recalibrating his political approach in Bihar, signaling a shift from the party's traditional "MY" (Muslim-Yadav) base to a broader, more inclusive "PDA" (Pichda, Dalit, Agada) strategy. This ambition reflects an understanding of Bihar's complex social dynamics and the need to expand the party's appeal to secure a sustainable leadership position.
Historically, the RJD has relied heavily on the Muslim-Yadav coalition, a formula that brought considerable electoral success to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi's father. However, changing demographics and evolving political landscapes necessitate a more comprehensive approach. Tejashwi Yadav recognizes that to establish an enduring political presence, the RJD must resonate with a wider spectrum of the population. This includes not only consolidating the support of backward castes and Dalits but also reaching out to the upper castes (Agada) and women, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.
The shift towards a "PDA" strategy is evident in the RJD's candidate selection and public messaging. In the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in November 2025, the RJD has strategically fielded candidates to represent a diverse array of social groups, including upper castes, women, and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). This inclusive approach is further emphasized by slogans like "A to Z" and "BAAP," representing Bahujan (backwards and Dalits), Agada (forwards), Aadhi Aabadi (women), Pichda, and the poor. These slogans underscore Tejashwi Yadav's attempt to diversify the RJD's support base beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav bloc.
Despite these inclusive overtures, the RJD continues to rely on its core Muslim-Yadav base. In the selection of 143 candidates, 52 were Yadavs and 18 were Muslims, which constitutes nearly half of the total candidates. This indicates a balanced approach, where the party aims to retain its traditional support while simultaneously reaching out to new constituencies.
To broaden its appeal, the RJD is also focusing on socio-economic development and addressing critical issues such as employment, healthcare, and education. Tejashwi Yadav has promised a government job for at least one member of every household in Bihar if his party comes to power. He has also criticized the current government for failing to address the employment crisis and has vowed to create a transparent and accountable administration.
However, Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD face several challenges in their quest to expand beyond the "MY" equation. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) possesses a robust organizational structure and enjoys considerable support among EBCs and Kurmis. Prominent Dalit leaders within the NDA also pose a challenge to the RJD's efforts to consolidate Dalit votes. Moreover, the RJD needs to strengthen its presence at the grassroots level and ensure that its leaders and workers connect effectively with people from all caste groups. The party also needs to unify faction-ridden state units and balance the old guard with younger aspirants.
The success of Tejashwi Yadav's ambitious shift from "MY" to "PDA" will depend on his ability to effectively communicate his vision for Bihar, address the concerns of various social groups, and build a cohesive and well-organized party. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of whether the RJD can successfully transform itself into a truly inclusive and representative political force. Despite facing multiple criminal charges, Tejashwi remains a central figure in Bihar politics.
