Patna: Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, will rub shoulders with national leaders opposed to Narendra Modi during H.D. Kumaraswamy's oath-taking as Karnataka chief minister in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Tejashwi and RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha will represent the RJD at what is being regarded as a conclave of Opposition leaders before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"It's not the first time Tejashwi will share the stage with leading Opposition leaders of the country," a senior RJD leader said. "He shared the stage with them at the joint rally organised by the Grand Alliance at Gandhi Maidan in 2015. But at that time Lalu Prasad was also there. This time Tejashwi will virtually step into Lalu's shoes. His political stature will rise."

Tejashwi has already achieved his father's wish to be recognised as inheritor of his legacy - both by party leaders and supporters.

"The only thing that was eluding him was his standing with national Opposition leaders," said the RJD leader. Kumaraswamy personally called Tejashwi to invite him to the swearing-in. "He has been convinced to go and represent the party."

Lalu's absence has severely hampered the RJD's negotiating power.

"Had Lalu ji been out of jail, there was no way the RJD would have given Bhabhua bypoll seat to the Congress," said a senior RJD leader.

"The RJD was in a much better position to defeat the BJP there. Even though Lalu is out on bail for treatment, his political activities are restricted because of the conditions imposed on him by the high court.

RJD leaders do not expect the situation to change much, as Lalu will be caught up in court cases and health issues.

"It's better that Tejashwi shoulder the party's burden," said the RJD leader.