In a dramatic political shift just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, has announced that he will contest the upcoming 2025 state elections as an independent candidate. This announcement came after his recent expulsion from both the party and his family following a controversial video involving his relationship with a woman.
The former minister declared that he would be contesting from the Mahua constituency in Vaishali district, a seat he previously held in the 2015 Assembly elections. In the last 2020 elections, he had won from Hasanpur in the Samastipur district under the RJD banner. However, his political journey has taken a turbulent turn after recent controversies and his fallout with the party leadership, including his father.
Fallout with RJD and Family over Video Scandal
Tej Pratap Yadav’s decision to contest independently comes after a highly publicised controversy. A video showing him allegedly in a personal relationship with a woman surfaced online, sparking outrage within his party and family. The video’s circulation reportedly led to swift action by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, who not only expelled his elder son from the party but also publicly disowned him from the family.
Although the details of the video have not been officially confirmed or verified, the fallout has been significant. Party insiders suggest that the RJD leadership saw the video as damaging to the party’s image, especially with elections approaching. Sources also say that Tej Pratap was considering running independently ever since the controversy began taking a toll on his political standing within the RJD.
Allegations Against Tejashwi Yadav’s Inner Circle
In a sharp and emotionally charged statement, Tej Pratap Yadav alleged that his ouster was orchestrated by a group within the RJD loyal to his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav. Using the historical reference of “Jai Chand” to describe betrayal, he claimed that four to five individuals close to Tejashwi played a key role in sidelining him from both the party and the family.
These comments highlight the ongoing power struggle within the RJD’s top leadership and point towards deep internal divisions. While Tejashwi Yadav remains the face of the party and its chief ministerial candidate, his elder brother’s exit could alter the electoral dynamics, particularly in constituencies where Tej Pratap maintains a support base.
A Return to Mahua: “I Worked for Mahua’s Development”
Despite the controversy and his removal from the party, Tej Pratap remains confident of his appeal among voters. He has chosen to return to the Mahua constituency, where he won in 2015, citing his past development work in the region. According to him, local people are urging him to contest again, as they believe he played a crucial role in improving infrastructure and local governance during his earlier term as MLA.
In the past few weeks, Tej Pratap has ramped up his social media presence. A dedicated digital outreach group named ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ has been actively promoting his message across platforms. His team is reportedly preparing for a full-fledged election campaign focusing on direct public contact and virtual engagement.
Campaign Begins with Targeted Attacks on Political Rivals
In what appears to be the beginning of an aggressive campaign, Tej Pratap has not shied away from taking jabs at political opponents. He recently stated that “Chacha Nitish Kumar,” the current Chief Minister of Bihar, will not return to power after the elections. This suggests that his campaign might position itself as a third front in some constituencies, focusing not just on personal redemption but also challenging the existing political establishment.
His rhetoric indicates a clear attempt to tap into the anti-incumbency sentiment, while also distancing himself from the RJD, which he accuses of betrayal. Whether this approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen, especially in a state known for complex caste and family-driven politics.
Independent Bid May Affect RJD’s Vote Share
Tej Pratap Yadav’s independent candidacy is expected to cause ripples within the RJD, particularly in constituencies like Mahua where he enjoys local popularity. His presence as an independent candidate could split the traditional RJD vote bank, especially among Yadav voters, and benefit rival parties. Political observers believe his bid may not only cost the RJD a few seats but could also serve as a symbolic blow to the party’s unity ahead of a crucial state election.
This development adds another layer of uncertainty to the already competitive political landscape in Bihar. The state is witnessing shifting alliances, internal strife within parties, and a growing dependence on digital campaigns — all of which are likely to play significant roles in the upcoming elections.
Tej Pratap’s Future Beyond 2025
While Tej Pratap Yadav’s political career has seen highs and lows, including ministerial stints and dramatic exits, his current move may determine his future trajectory in Bihar politics. His campaign as an independent is not just a test of popularity, but also of political relevance in a state dominated by traditional parties and familial legacies.
Even as he takes a different path from the RJD, questions remain about whether his political aspirations can be sustained independently in the long run or if this is a step towards forming a new political outfit. There is also speculation about whether he will seek alliances with smaller regional parties or rebel factions within the RJD in the near future.
His expulsion has not only isolated him politically but also strained familial bonds that have historically been seen as unbreakable in the context of Indian political dynasties. It remains to be seen whether this rift will be permanent or a temporary fallout influenced by electoral strategy.
Tej Pratap Yadav’s decision to run as an independent from Mahua in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections marks a significant political development. Following his expulsion from both the RJD and his family after a controversial video, he has chosen to take control of his political narrative by returning to a familiar constituency where he once enjoyed strong support. His allegations of betrayal within the RJD, combined with his direct challenge to Nitish Kumar, indicate that he plans to contest with both emotion and strategy.
Whether he succeeds or not, his campaign is bound to impact the election discourse in Bihar. As the state gears up for elections, Tej Pratap Yadav’s independent run will be closely watched — not only for its electoral outcome but also for what it reveals about the future of dynastic politics and internal power struggles in one of India’s most politically vibrant states.
