New Delhi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, appears determined to carve his own political path ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, even as his public split from the family fold continues to generate headlines.
Tej Pratap Sparks Speculation with Ravi Kishan Meeting
On Friday, Tej Pratap was spotted conversing with BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan at Patna airport, fuelling speculation of a potential realignment.
While it remains unclear if the meeting was planned or coincidental, both leaders exchanged compliments before the media, triggering widespread buzz about Tej Pratap’s political intentions.
Rift with RJD and the Quest for Autonomy
After his expulsion from the RJD, Tej Pratap has sought to rebrand himself as an independent force. Rejecting comparisons between his younger brother Tejashwi and historic icons like Lohia and Karpoori Thakur, he has accused his sibling of “living in Lalu’s shadow.” The 37-year-old now heads the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), pitching it as a regional coalition platform.
Fighting Alone in Mahua: A Test of Strength
Tej Pratap’s bid for political autonomy faces a major test in Mahua — a seat he once won by over 28,000 votes in 2015. This time, he faces RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan and NDA’s Sanjay Kumar Singh. His victory or defeat will determine whether he can emerge as a credible alternative or fade as a sidelined heir.
An Uncertain Future
Media analysts see Tej Pratap’s strategy — blending populism, media theatrics, and flexible alliances — as an attempt to stay politically relevant. Whether this approach helps him break free from the Yadav family’s towering legacy will depend on the November 14 counting of votes from Mahua’s EVMs.