The recent expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and his family, orchestrated by his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, has reignited the controversies surrounding his troubled marriage with Aishwarya Rai. The public drama began when Tej Pratap posted a photo on Facebook with another woman, identified as Anushka Yadav, claiming a 12-year relationship. This post triggered a wave of reactions, especially considering his past marital issues, and he later alleged his account was hacked. Lalu Yadav swiftly responded by expelling Tej Pratap, citing "irresponsible behavior" and a disregard for "moral values."
In the wake of these events, Aishwarya Rai, Tej Pratap's estranged wife, has reportedly broken her silence, questioning the actions and motives of the Lalu Yadav family. According to Republic TV, Aishwarya dismissed Lalu's expulsion of Tej Pratap as "purely for political optics," particularly with the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025. She suggested it was an attempt to "whitewash everything before the polls."
Aishwarya, the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai, married Tej Pratap in a high-profile ceremony in 2018. However, the marriage quickly deteriorated, leading to a divorce petition filed within months. Aishwarya has previously accused Tej Pratap and his family of mistreatment, while Tej Pratap has alleged that Aishwarya demanded a large alimony. The divorce case remains pending, with serious allegations from both sides.
Aishwarya has openly criticized the Yadav family, stating that she was kept in the dark about major decisions regarding her life. "Mere liye kya karenge Lalu ji? Did he ever speak up for me? I found out about the divorce through the media. Imagine the mental trauma!" she reportedly said. She has also accused the entire Yadav family, including Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi, of being complicit in the situation, suggesting that Tej Pratap's disowning is not genuine.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from other political parties. Leaders from the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have questioned Lalu Yadav's moral stance, pointing to Aishwarya Rai's treatment by the Yadav family. JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar criticized the "double standards" of Lalu Yadav, asking where his morality was when Aishwarya was "thrown out" of the house. BJP's Nikhil Anand echoed these sentiments, accusing the Yadav family of ignoring Aishwarya Rai's dignity and her family.
The situation has placed a spotlight on the Yadav family's internal dynamics and political calculations ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Some observers view Lalu Yadav's decision to expel Tej Pratap as an attempt to salvage the party's image and appeal to voters by projecting a sense of moral responsibility. Others argue that it is a strategic move to consolidate power within the family, with Tejashwi Yadav now firmly established as Lalu's political heir.
Tej Pratap's actions and the subsequent fallout have also raised questions about his political future. Once seen as a potential successor to Lalu Prasad Yadav, he has become increasingly isolated within the party. His erratic behavior, public outbursts, and personal controversies have overshadowed his political career, leading to his expulsion from the RJD.
As the drama continues to unfold, Aishwarya Rai's accusations and the political reactions highlight the complex interplay between personal relationships, family dynamics, and political ambitions within the Yadav family. With the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, the controversy is likely to remain a significant issue, potentially impacting the RJD's prospects and the broader political landscape of the state.
