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The ousted RJD leader said that he will support parties which focus on youth, employment, education and health.
Tej Pratap Yadav has announced that all his activities will be shared through his Facebook page. (Facebook/@teamtejpratapofficial)
In a fresh twist to Bihar’s political landscape, Tej Pratap Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son, who was expelled from the party, on Saturday announced to contest the upcoming Bihar legislative assembly election from Mahua seat as independent.
While speaking to the mediapersons, Yadav said that his team is ready to reach the people.
“Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people… This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become the Chief Minister. We will contest the election from Mahua; there are many opponents, they have started to feel the itch…” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: Former state minister Tej Pratap Yadav says, “Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people… This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become the Chief Minister. Whoever’s government is formed, if they talk about youth, employment, education, and… pic.twitter.com/gpb8cJK2e9— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025
The ousted RJD leader further said that he will support parties which focus on youth, employment, education and health.
Earlier, political commentators suggested that he is seeking to carve out a distinct political identity from his family. His recent activities, including launching a new Facebook page titled ‘Team Tej Pratap’ and removing the RJD’s flag from his car, have further fueled the speculation following his expulsion from the RJD.
There were speculations that the former Bihar minister and MLA would contest the election from his previous constituency, Mahua, as independent due to his frequent visits. Earlier, reports had suggested Tej Pratap could float a new political party, especially with the RJD shutting its doors on him.
Launches New Facebook Page, Drops Party Banner
Earlier this month, the estranged son of the Yadav family launched a new Facebook page titled ‘Team Tej Pratap’, notably omitting his father’s party name and election symbol. The page features the slogan, “Jiska Kaayam Hai Pratap, Wahi Hai Aapka Apna Tej Pratap,” and Tej Pratap Yadav has announced that all his activities will be shared through this platform.
Prior to this, he had removed the party flag from his car. The same was noticed after the former Bihar minister and MLA reached his former constituency Mahua for a roadshow. Surrounded by a sea of supporters, Tej Pratap and others at the scene were seen carrying a green-and-white flag with ‘Team Tej Pratap Yadav’ written on it.
Tej Pratap’s Controversy
Tej Pratap faced controversy on May 26 when a photo of him with Anushka Yadav went viral on social media, along with claims of a 12-year-old relationship between them. Initially, he claimed his Facebook account was hacked, but he has recently admitted to posting the photo himself.
Following this, Lalu Yadav expelled his eldest son from the party for six years and disowned from the family citing his “irresponsible conduct” and deviation from the family’s values.
Announcing the move in a post on X, the RJD patron said that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice. He further said that conduct of Tej Pratap Yadav was not in line with family values or traditions.
His brother Tejashwi Yadav, often seen as the face of the RJD, had publicly backed their father’s decision.
Tej Pratap’s personal life has long attracted public and media attention. In 2018, he married Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rai. The marriage quickly turned sour, with Tej Pratap filing for divorce within months, leading to a very public family fallout.
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
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