Tej Pratap Yadav, once a prominent face within Bihar’s RJD, is signalling the start of a new political chapter, holding a rally under his own banner days after being expelled by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Carrying a green-and-white flag with “Team Tej Pratap Yadav” boldly inscribed, the former Bihar minister and MLA was seen leading a roadshow in Mahua, hinting he may contest the upcoming Assembly elections independently, driven by what he claims is the will of the people.
First rally after split, a show of defiance
In his first major appearance since parting ways with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Tej Pratap wore his signature green cap and waved to crowds gathered along the streets of Mahua, his former constituency. His supporters, carrying the newly designed flag, appeared enthusiastic, chanting slogans as Tej Pratap passed through the lanes that had once secured his electoral win in 2015.
At the rally, Tej Pratap declared that he would not be living under anyone’s control and emphasised his next political step would depend solely on public demand. “I live under the will of the public. Whatever the public wants, I will do. I will contest the election from wherever the public demands. From which party I will contest from, that will be seen later,” he told supporters, projecting himself as a people-driven leader rather than one bound by party lines or family dictates.
Turbulent family and political ties
The developments mark a turbulent chapter for Tej Pratap, who was expelled from the RJD by his father Lalu Prasad Yadav for six years in May, following a series of personal controversies that spilled into the public domain. The immediate trigger was a Facebook post by Tej Pratap featuring photos with a woman named Anushka Yadav, where he confessed to being “in a relationship.” Although he later deleted the post, claiming his account had been hacked, the damage was already done, leading to a complete breakdown of his relationship with his father and a public distancing by his family.
Tej Pratap’s personal life has often made headlines, including his 2018 marriage to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai. The marriage quickly turned turbulent, with Tej Pratap filing for divorce within five months, further intensifying media scrutiny on his personal choices and lifestyle.
Rumours of a rift with Tejashwi and accusations of conspiracy
Following his expulsion, Tej Pratap alleged there was a conspiracy to create a rift between him and his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, who is currently the face of the Mahagathbandhan for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The claim has sparked speculation about internal tensions within the Yadav family and the broader implications for the Mahagathbandhan’s campaign strategy as elections draw closer.
Tej Pratap, known for his eccentricity and unpredictability in Bihar politics, has hinted that his next moves will be bold, independent, and driven by his supporters’ aspirations rather than family pressures or established political hierarchies. His supporters argue that Tej Pratap’s decision to campaign under his banner shows he is ready to take political risks, a stance that could resonate with sections of the youth seeking an alternative voice within Bihar’s established political landscape.
While Tejashwi Yadav has maintained silence over the developments, the unfolding scenario adds complexity to the Mahagathbandhan’s pre-poll dynamics, as Tej Pratap’s independent ambitions could impact the vote share in constituencies where he holds influence.
Path ahead for Tej Pratap and Bihar politics
Tej Pratap’s latest rally under “Team Tej Pratap Yadav” is seen as a testing ground for his potential political brand, gauging public sentiment before he finalises whether to float a new party or contest as an independent. The green-and-white flag, reminiscent of RJD’s colours, signals continuity in symbolism while carving a separate identity for Tej Pratap’s political experiments.
Bihar’s political circles are closely watching Tej Pratap’s moves, considering his family’s legacy in state politics and the unpredictable nature of electoral sentiments in the region. His ability to attract crowds despite the controversies and the public break from the RJD signals he retains a section of loyal supporters, though it remains to be seen if this can translate into electoral strength in the Assembly polls.
Tej Pratap’s emphasis on “living under the will of the public” will now be tested in the coming months, as the expelled leader steps into uncharted political territory without the organisational backing of the RJD or the protective umbrella of Lalu Prasad Yadav. His decision to hint at contesting from any constituency demanded by the public underscores a flexible yet uncertain approach, one that could either open doors for a new political narrative in Bihar or fade without structured support.
As Bihar braces for the Assembly elections, Tej Pratap’s independent stance will add a new dimension to the state’s complex electoral battles, testing the ground realities of family-driven politics versus individual ambitions in a politically charged environment.
