Just days after being ousted from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav has signaled a bold new chapter in his political journey. Holding his first public rally under a freshly minted banner, Yadav returned to Mahua—his old political turf—with renewed energy and a message of independence.
Waving a green-and-white flag emblazoned with the words *“Team Tej Pratap Yadav,”* the Hasanpur MLA led a spirited roadshow through the streets of Mahua. Donning his trademark green cap, Tej Pratap was greeted with cheers and flower garlands from a crowd of loyal supporters, hinting at the strong grassroots backing he still commands despite recent controversies.
Speaking at the rally, the estranged son of RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav made it clear that he’s no longer playing by the old rules. “I live under the will of the public,” he told the crowd. “Wherever the people ask me to contest from, I will go. As for the party—time will tell.”
Vaishali, Bihar: Former Minister Tej Pratap Yadav says, “I am someone who comes from the people, and I will do as they wish. If the public wants me to contest elections, I will; if not, I won’t. The constituency I contest from will depend on the people’s demand. Whether I contest… pic.twitter.com/nt565174ou
— IANS (@ians_india) July 10, 2025
This public appearance comes on the heels of a dramatic fallout within the Yadav political dynasty. In May, Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled his elder son from the RJD for six years, citing what he described as “irresponsible behavior.” The decision followed a now-deleted Facebook post in which Tej Pratap declared he was in a relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. Though he later claimed the post was the result of a hack, the controversy deepened an already widening rift.
The expulsion didn’t just sever political ties—it marked a personal rupture as well. Lalu Prasad reportedly cut off all familial contact with Tej Pratap, an extraordinary move in a family where political and personal bonds have long been intertwined.
Tej Pratap’s personal life has frequently made headlines. In 2018, he married Aishwarya Rai, the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai. The union, however, quickly unraveled, with Tej Pratap filing for divorce just five months later.
Now, as Bihar inches closer to the next Assembly elections, Tej Pratap seems determined to carve out his own path—even if it means going it alone. He has alleged that a “conspiracy” is at play to divide him from his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, the current political face of the Mahagathbandhan alliance. Whether this claim gains traction or fades into the political noise remains to be seen.