Patna: Expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, on Saturday announced he will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections as an Independent candidate from Mahua, unveiling his ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ platform amid a deepening family and party feud.
Tej Pratap Yadav, a former Bihar minister and current MLA from Hasanpur, confirmed his decision to run independently from the Mahua constituency in Vaishali district during a press conference in Patna. The move follows his expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in May by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, over a controversial social media post claiming a 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav. The expulsion, which also severed familial ties, has fuelled speculation about Tej Pratap’s political future as Bihar gears up for Assembly elections expected in October or November 2025.
Speaking to reporters, Tej Pratap declared, ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ is a platform to reach the people. We will contest from Mahua; there are many opponents; they have started to feel the itch.” He emphasised that his campaign, symbolised by green-and-yellow flags, will support any government prioritising youth, employment, education and health. He also predicted that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would not return to power, asserting, “This time, Uncle will not become the Chief Minister.” Tej Pratap named Madan Yadav as his team’s candidate from Shahpur, indicating broader electoral plans under his banner.
The Mahua seat, currently held by RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan, has been an RJD stronghold for a decade, with Tej Pratap himself winning it in 2015 before switching to Hasanpur in 2020. On July 25, Tej Pratap unfollowed his sisters Misa Bharti, Rajlakshmi and Hema Yadav, as well as the RJD’s official account on X, signalling a clear break from the party and family. His recent rally in Mahua, where supporters waved ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ flags, underscored his intent to carve out an independent political identity.
Tej Pratap’s expulsion stemmed from a social media post in May about his relationship, which he initially claimed was a hack but later admitted to posting himself. His brother, Tejashwi Yadav, publicly supported Lalu’s decision, deepening the family rift. Tej Pratap alleged that “four or five people” close to Tejashwi, whom he called “Jai Chands” (traitors), conspired against him. Despite this, he expressed support for Tejashwi’s potential chief ministerial bid, saying, “My blessings are with Tejashwi, but he is surrounded by traitors.”
Mahua’s electoral dynamics, influenced by Yadav, Muslim, Sonar and Kushwaha communities, make it a critical battleground. Tej Pratap claimed strong local support, stating, “The people of Mahua only want me. They say if anyone else from RJD is fielded, they will not vote for them.” Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users speculating about a new party, while others see his move as a challenge to RJD’s dominance.
Tej Pratap’s independent candidacy and the launch of ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ pose a significant challenge to RJD’s unity ahead of the Bihar elections. As he rallies support in Mahua, his break from the family and party could reshape local electoral equations, with the potential to influence the broader political landscape in Bihar.