Lalu Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD for 6 Years Over Viral Post Controversy

In a dramatic political shake-up, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the party for six years following a controversial social media post that featured him with his alleged partner, Anushka Yadav. The RJD patriarch said Tej Pratap’s “irresponsible conduct” had crossed all boundaries of personal and public accountability.

The decision comes in the wake of a viral Facebook post attributed to Tej Pratap, which claimed he had been in a 12-year-long relationship. He later alleged his account was hacked and the pictures were manipulated to defame him and the Yadav family.

Lalu Yadav announced the expulsion on social media, stating:

“Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. His public conduct is not in line with family values. Therefore, I am removing him from the party and family for six years.”

He also stated that anyone associated with Tej Pratap moving forward would be doing so at their own discretion, making it clear that his eldest son will have no role in the party or family decisions going ahead.

The viral post, which appeared Saturday, received mixed reactions online — with some praising Tej Pratap’s honesty, and others questioning the timing, given the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections. Many users speculated whether a public acknowledgment of the relationship was a precursor to marriage.

In a damage control statement hours later, Tej Pratap claimed on social media:

“My social media platforms have been hacked. The photos are being edited to defame me and harass my family.”

Younger brother and senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav distanced himself from the controversy during a press interaction in Patna.

“I don’t support this kind of public conduct. Personal life should be kept private. He is elder and can take his own decisions. Lalu ji did what he thought was right,” Tejashwi said.

Sources close to the party say the decision could impact the RJD’s internal dynamics ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls. Tej Pratap, who won the Mahua seat in 2015 and later represented Hasanpur, is reportedly planning to return to Mahua in the upcoming election.