Patna: Ram Kripal Yadav, formerly one of Lalu Prasad’s closest allies and a significant figure in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for nearly thirty years, has taken the oath as a minister in Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s 2025 cabinet. His appointment signifies another remarkable shift in a political journey marked by loyalty, defiance, and transformation. Few leaders have tracked the evolving political dynamics of Bihar as closely as Yadav. Born on October 12, 1957, he emerged from local governance and previously held the position of Patna’s mayor, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and strategically adept leader.
His ascent within the RJD was consistent: he became a pivotal figure in the party’s strategic discussions, contributed to strengthening its organizational structure, and won the Lok Sabha seat three times on an RJD platform. However, in 2014, long-standing tensions within the RJD reached a breaking point. Disagreements over candidate selection and growing rifts with the top brass compelled Yadav to part ways with the party that he had significantly supported. In a move that altered both his career trajectory and Bihar’s political landscape, he transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His decision was soon put to the test. Running for the Pataliputra Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket, he faced off against Misa Bharti, Lalu Prasad’s daughter.
In a surprising outcome, Yadav emerged victorious, solidifying his new political persona and delivering a significant blow to the RJD. Yadav served as minister of state for rural development under the Narendra Modi administration from 2014 to 2019, focusing on initiatives related to rural infrastructure, housing, roads, and MNREGA. After being re-elected in 2019, he continued to be a key player in Bihar’s political arena, although his role increasingly shifted towards organizational duties following 2024. His entry into the Nitish Kumar cabinet is viewed as both a strategic move and a reflection of his lasting influence.
It also illustrates an unusual political journey—from being part of Lalu Prasad’s inner circle, to serving as a BJP Union minister, and now joining a JD(U)-led state administration.
