PATNA, Jan. 25 -- In a move that formally anoints him as the heir apparent of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, Leader of the Opposition in Bihar assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was unanimously elected as the working president at the party's national executive meeting here on Sunday.

The decision was taken in presence of ailing RJD chief, Tejashwi and senior leaders including Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti. With the 77-year-old Lalu's health restricting his mobility and public engagements, the appointment effectively hands day-to-day control of the party to his younger son.

Addressing the national executive meeting after being appointed as national working president, Tejashwi said that he would discharge his responsibilities with...