Lalu proposes, Tejashwi disposes: RJD symbol distribution and recall drama shakes Bihar polls Mahagathbandhan

Several RJD candidates, who were handed their official party election symbols yesterday evening, were abruptly recalled late at night and instructed to return the documents, underscoring significant internal turbulence within the party and its larger alliance, the Mahagathbandhan, according to media reports.

The initial distribution of symbols occurred shortly after party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav returned from Delhi. A crowd of poll ticket aspirants gathered outside his residence. Several emerged with yellow envelopes, reportedly containing the party's endorsement for their candidacy.

However, the situation took a sharp turn hours later upon the arrival of the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, in Patna, according to NDTV.

Shortly after his return from Delhi, where he was reportedly engaged in critical seat-sharing talks with ally Congress, all recipients of the symbols received phone calls asking them to visit his home and surrender the symbols.

Late-night visuals captured a large crowd gathering outside the Yadav residence amid the confusion.

The dramatic symbol distribution and subsequent withdrawal reportedly stemmed from a deeper internal rift.

Reports suggest the initial symbols were distributed from the residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, allegedly at the behest of Lalu Yadav, while Tejashwi was away negotiating with the Congress. This unilateral move is said to have severely irked the Congress party, a crucial ally, forcing Tejashwi to attempt "damage control" by recalling the symbols and exposing fissures within the powerful Yadav family.

Among the prominent leaders affected by the U-turn were Sunil Singh, who recently defected from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), and former MLA Narendra Kumar Singh alias Bogo.

While some leaders, like Ashraf Fatmi, attempted to downplay the incident, claiming the symbol-handing photos circulating on social media were "AI-generated," the late-night visual evidence and symbol recall confirm a high-stakes internal crisis.

The turmoil comes at a highly sensitive time, as the Mahagathbandhan—comprising RJD, Congress, Left parties, Vikassheel Insaan Party, JMM, and RLJP—is yet to formally finalize and announce its seat-sharing arrangement.

All allies are currently engaged in intense bargaining, with nominations for the first phase of polling (Nov 6) closing on Oct 17 and the second phase (Nov11) on Oct 20.

The symbol recall not only signals internal instability but also threatens to strain the already delicate alliance ahead of the elections. Results for the Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled for November 14.