Tej Pratap Yadav to Contest Bihar Election as Independent From Mahua, Vows to Fight for Youth
In a dramatic turn in Bihar’s politics, Tej Pratap Yadav—estranged son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav—announced on Saturday he will contest the upcoming Bihar assembly polls as an independent candidate from Mahua. Speaking to media in Patna, Tej Pratap declared, “Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people… This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become Chief Minister. We will contest the election from Mahua; there are many opponents, they have started to feel the itch,” he said, hinting at a direct challenge to political rivals.
Tej Pratap, who was expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and publicly disowned by his father following a series of controversies, said he would extend support to parties that focus on youth, employment, education, and health. His recent moves—including launching the ‘Team Tej Pratap’ campaign, removing RJD symbols from his public appearances, and leading independent roadshows—signal an attempt to establish a distinct political identity.
The Mahua seat has been a stronghold for Tej Pratap, who earlier represented the constituency as an RJD MLA. His decision to return as an independent comes after repeated visits to Mahua and mounting speculation over his next move, with some reports suggesting he might float a new party.
Tej Pratap’s expulsion followed a social media controversy involving personal photographs and the admission of a longstanding relationship, which Lalu Yadav said had violated the family’s “moral values” and undermined the RJD’s struggle for social justice. His brother, Tejashwi Yadav, publicly supported the expulsion, deepening the high-profile family rift.
Despite his turbulent personal life—marked by a failed marriage, public disputes, and frequent media scrutiny—Tej Pratap commands a significant following, with supporters rallying behind his new campaign. At recent events in Mahua, crowds waved green-and-white flags emblazoned with his name, while social media platforms buzzed with debate about the impact of his independent run on the state’s political equations.
With the Bihar assembly polls looming and established parties focusing on alliance strategies, Tej Pratap’s solo entry is poised to add a new dimension to the campaign, particularly in the politically volatile Vaishali district. Observers say his move could split votes in key constituencies and test the RJD’s hold on its traditional voter base.
No response has been issued yet by the RJD’s leadership. The upcoming contest in Mahua, with its history of being a family stronghold, is likely to attract intense attention.
