In a dramatic turn of events within Bihar's prominent political family, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav has expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the party for a period of six years. The expulsion, which occurred on Sunday, May 25, 2025, stems from what Lalu Prasad Yadav cited as Tej Pratap's "irresponsible conduct" and deviation from the family's established values and public decorum. The announcement signifies a major fracture within the Yadav dynasty and raises questions about the future of the RJD.
The disciplinary action follows a controversial Facebook post made by Tej Pratap Yadav just a day prior. In the post, Tej Pratap declared he was "in a relationship" with a young woman named Anushka Yadav, sharing a photo of the two and claiming their connection spanned 12 years. This public declaration immediately drew criticism and ridicule, particularly given Tej Pratap's previous, highly publicized, and ultimately tumultuous marriage to Aishwarya Rai, the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, known for his firm grip on the RJD and his family's political activities, took swift action. In a statement released on social media, he expressed his disappointment, stating that "Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice." He further emphasized that Tej Pratap's actions and behavior were not in accordance with the family's values and traditions. The RJD leader officially announced not only Tej Pratap's expulsion from the party for six years but also his removal from the family itself.
The news has sent ripples through Bihar's political landscape. Tej Pratap Yadav, while not as central a figure as his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, holds significance within the RJD. He has previously served as a cabinet minister in the Bihar government, holding portfolios such as Health and Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He has also been known for his unconventional public persona, sometimes referred to as "Behrupiya" (a man of many disguises), and has, at times, stirred controversy with his statements and actions. In 2017, he faced backlash for threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The timing of this expulsion is particularly noteworthy. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the RJD is at a crucial juncture. Lalu Prasad Yadav's decision to take such drastic action against his own son underscores the importance he places on maintaining the party's image and upholding what he perceives as its core values. However, this internal conflict could potentially create further instability within the party and impact its electoral prospects.
The personal life of Tej Pratap Yadav has been under intense public scrutiny, especially since his marriage to Aishwarya Rai in 2018. The marriage, which was initially celebrated as a union of two influential political families, quickly deteriorated. Aishwarya Rai accused Tej Pratap and his family of harassment and domestic violence, while Tej Pratap alleged excessive alimony demands. The divorce case remains pending in court, and the estranged couple has traded accusations, further fueling public interest and commentary.
Following the initial Facebook post, Tej Pratap claimed his social media account had been hacked and that attempts were being made to defame him and his family. However, this explanation appears to have done little to dissuade his father from taking action. The expulsion from the RJD and the family marks a significant turning point in Tej Pratap Yadav's political career and personal life, leaving his future trajectory uncertain.
