RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav files nomination from Raghopur, a seat once represented by his parents Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, as supporters rally behind hopes of an RJD comeback in Bihar.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday formally entered the Bihar election race, filing his nomination from the Raghopur Assembly constituency, a seat deeply tied to his family’s political legacy. The 35-year-old, seeking a third straight victory, was accompanied by his parents and former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, along with sister and MP Misa Bharti.

The scene outside the Hajipur collectorate turned festive as hundreds of supporters thronged the route from Patna, showering flower petals on the car carrying the Yadav family. Despite tight security, crowds surged to catch a glimpse of the RJD scion as he arrived to file his papers, marking one of the most high-profile nominations of this election season.

Raghopur, often described as a political stronghold of the Yadav family, has long been symbolic of the RJD’s rural base and social influence in Vaishali district. The constituency has previously sent both his parents to the Bihar Assembly, making Tejashwi’s contest here a continuation of the family’s storied connection with the seat.

Analysis:
Tejashwi’s choice to stay rooted in Raghopur underscores both confidence and caution — confidence in his grassroots support and caution in preserving a family bastion that remains vital for RJD’s morale. His roadshow-style nomination reflects a deliberate attempt to project unity, especially with Lalu Prasad making a rare public appearance. For voters, this election in Raghopur is more than a contest; it’s a test of legacy versus leadership transition, and whether Tejashwi can convert nostalgia into renewed political momentum.