In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through Bihar’s political landscape, Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has expelled his eldest son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family for six years. The decision comes after Tej Pratap’s controversial social media post, which sparked a firestorm of attention and raised questions about his personal life and its impact on his political career.
The Controversial Post
The controversy began when Tej Pratap Yadav shared a Facebook post featuring a woman named Anushka Yadav, with a caption claiming that they had been in a relationship for the past 12 years. The post, which went viral, quickly garnered attention from both the media and social media users, causing a stir due to its implications for the Yadav family’s image.
The post, which raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, seemed to hint at a personal relationship that went against the image of the Yadav family as political leaders advocating for social justice. This led to public backlash and intense scrutiny, particularly from his father, Lalu Yadav.
Lalu Yadav’s Statement on X
In response to the growing controversy, Lalu Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a stern statement. Writing in Hindi, he expressed his disappointment with his son’s actions, stating:
“Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct, and irresponsible behaviour of my eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years.”
Lalu Yadav further emphasized that personal actions should align with the principles of public life, stating that his family had always adhered to values of integrity and discipline. He concluded, stating that his son was now responsible for managing his personal life, and those choosing to associate with him must make their own decisions.
Tej Pratap Yadav’s Denial and Clarification
In an attempt to defend himself, Tej Pratap Yadav quickly responded to the growing controversy. Taking to X, he denied the claims made in the viral post, insisting that his official Facebook page had been hacked. The 37-year-old former Bihar minister claimed that his photos were edited without his consent in an effort to defame and harass both him and his family.
He wrote, “My social media platform has been hacked, and my pictures are being wrongly edited to harass and defame me and my family members. I appeal to my well-wishers and followers to be cautious and not pay heed to any rumors.”
Despite his denials, social media users were quick to point out the marriage of Tej Pratap Yadav to Aishwarya, the granddaughter of the late Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai, in 2018. The marriage, however, ended in separation within months amid allegations of marital discord, further complicating the situation.
A Family and Political Fallout
Lalu Yadav’s decision to expel his son marks a significant turning point in the Yadav family’s political dynamics. While the move has been framed as an assertion of family values and discipline, it has also highlighted deeper fissures within one of Bihar’s most influential political families.
The expulsion comes at a time when the RJD is striving to consolidate its position in the state’s political scene, particularly in the face of mounting challenges from political rivals. Tej Pratap’s actions and the fallout could have long-lasting implications on the party’s image and leadership dynamics, adding to the tension already surrounding the Yadav family.
Looking Ahead
The dramatic events surrounding Tej Pratap Yadav’s expulsion from both the RJD and his family are likely to continue to unfold, with both political and personal consequences. For now, the Yadav family is facing a complex blend of personal scandal and political fallout, with the future of Tej Pratap Yadav’s role in the party uncertain.
As the story develops, many will be watching closely to see whether the rift between father and son can be repaired or if it signals a permanent shift in the Yadav family’s political and personal landscape.
