RJD leader Raghunath Jha quits party, to join SP

Jha accused Lalu Prasad of indulging in family politics

In a jolt to RJD ahead of the Bihar polls, senior leader Raghunath Jha today resigned from his post and primary membership of the party, accusing party president Lalu Prasad of ignoring senior leaders and putting entire focus on his family.

Considered the Brahmin face of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jha, 76, a former minister of state for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise, said he is joining Samajwadi Party (SP).

In a letter sent to Prasad, Jha said, "I have been with you in thick and thin for the last 25 years. But, seeing your behaviour these days towards party workers and neglect towards me, I am resigning from the primary membership of the party and the post of its national vice-president."

Talking to PTI, Jha, a member of the 14th Lok Sabha from Bettiah constituency, elaborated about the reasons behind his leaving RJD. He accused Prasad of indulging in 'family politics' at the cost of party workers and senior leaders.

"The behaviour of Prasad has been very bad towards workers senior leaders. He would never seek any opinion or suggestions from us. His entire focus is on his family and children, and how to take them ahead in politics," Jha said. The veteran leader said RJD has deteriorated to such an extent that no meetings of its core committee or parliamentary board were held in recent times.

"I will now join Samajwadi Party (SP) and strengthen it in the state. My son Ajit Kumar Jha, who has twice been an MLA from Sheohar constituency will also follow suit," he added.

Jha said RJD and JD(U) are being led by leaders who "have become so much full of ego that they are ignoring all others".