After being disqualified from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for six years by no less than his father and party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav has asserted that he is being targeted due to his uncanny resemblance to his father and his deep rapport with the masses.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Thursday, the eldest son of Lalu Prasad Yadav stated, “There is a conspiracy against me. because people know I’m the next Lalu Yadav.” He added that while he supports his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav’s aspirations to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar, he himself wants to act as a kingmaker.
The political fallout in Bihar's first political dynasty occurred after Tej Pratap shared a photo on social media site X, introducing the woman accompanying him as "Anushka Yadav," and asserting they'd been together for 12 years. The message sent shockwaves, particularly considering the fact that he is wed to Aishwarya Rai, whose father was a former Bihar minister.
While the post was taken down and Tej Pratap subsequently alleged his account was hacked, Lalu Yadav reacted firmly, expelling his son from the party for what he termed "irresponsible behaviour" and "disregard for ethical values."
When asked how he felt about being expelled, Tej Pratap admitted to his hurt but alluded to political maneuvering.
"Naturally, I was pained. If you remove a party worker or someone whom you've inducted into your team for the sake of pleasing someone else… it's painful," he told PTI in Hindi.
On the fact that the act was initiated by his father, he reacted with restraint. "My parents are like gods to me. My mother is always concerned about me. I'm their eldest son and they love me. I won't go into the political niceties of the situation," he said.
Despite the public rift, Tej Pratap affirmed his full support for his younger brother Tejashwi’s political journey. “My younger brother, Tejashwi, has my blessings and complete support for becoming the Chief Minister. there are no issues there,” he reiterated.
When questioned about the present relationship, he owned up to some tension. "There is some 'uthal puthal' (turmoil), yes, but I'm managing. I don't wish for broken relationships. I do my best to be the elder brother that I should be."
Reacting to if controversy had tarnished RJD's image, Tej Pratap had an objection. "Are my actions alone hurting the reputation of the party? What about others? Why am I being targeted?
He claimed that the reason for being targeted is his resemblance with his dad. "Many people have said to me that I talk like my father, that I am the same rawness, the same simplicity and earthy style. That's what disturbs some people."
He further added, "Tejashwi should be Chief Minister. I want to be the kingmaker. But some individuals are not comfortable with the truth that I remain grounded, that I raise genuine issues. My father used to do that, and so will I. People in villages desire that person who is amongst them."
Defiant and Determined
Even with the ouster from his party and the strain on the family, Tej Pratap declared that he is undeterred. "I'm not disheartened. And I want my supporters not to lose hope either."
He assured that he will go back to his assembly constituency, Hasanpur, and conduct public meetings and interact face-to-face with the voters. "Just because I'm out of the party doesn't mean I sit at home. One needs to do what they are destined to do. And I will keep doing my work," he asserted.
As Bihar gets ready for a make-or-break election later this year, Tej Pratap Yadav's political fate—and his messy place within his family—remains a tale to be told.
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