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Epic divine claims to defiant campaigner: Tej Pratap Yadav in Bihar election

Tej Pratap Yadav's stunning political rebirth after his RJD expulsion, from eccentric god-like claims to launching Janshakti Janata Dal and eyeing Bihar's CM chair, covered by Bhupendra Chaubey

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Bhupendra Chaubey
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In the sizzling cauldron of Bihar's political arena, where family legacies clash with personal ambitions, a remarkable saga is unfolding. Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, has long been a figure of intrigue and ridicule. Once infamous for his outlandish declarations—claiming to be possessed by divine entities or embodying gods themselves—he was often dismissed as unhinged, a sideshow in the grand theater of Indian politics. But as the Bihar assembly election looms, Tej Pratap has shattered that mould, emerging from the shadows of family betrayal as a fierce, independent contender. This transformation isn't just personal; it's a seismic shift that could reshape Bihar's electoral landscape.

Expelled from the RJD in May amid bitter family disputes, including public spats over his personal life and alleged conspiracies, Tej Pratap broke his silence with explosive allegations. He accused "five powerful families" of orchestrating his downfall, a veiled jab that sent ripples through political circles.

No longer content to play second fiddle to his brother Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap has forged his own path, announcing his candidacy from the Mahua seat in Vaishali district. Whether as an independent or through a nascent coalition, he's positioning himself as a champion of the people, vowing to honour his father's legacy while carving out his autonomy.

A new Tej Pratap?

What sets this "new avatar" apart is his strategic pivot from eccentricity to engagement. Gone are the whimsical spiritual rants; in their place is a proactive leader building grassroots momentum. In August, he unveiled the Janshakti Janata Dal, a new political outfit registered with the Election Commission, aimed at challenging Bihar's entrenched power structures.

This move, coupled with an alliance of five minor parties—including Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party and Bhojpuriya Jan Morcha—signals a bold bid to disrupt the status quo. Tej Pratap has even extended an olive branch (or perhaps a challenge) to his former allies in RJD and Congress, inviting them to join his fold.

His campaign style blends defiance with charisma, captivating rural voters through innovative outreach. Picture this — at a jan samvad programme in Begusarai, Tej Pratap grabs a banjo and strums away on stage, turning a political dialogue into a lively concert. This musical flair, captured in a viral video from August 26, showcases his ability to connect on a human level, drawing cheers from crowds weary of traditional rhetoric.

It's a far cry from his past image, proving that entertainment can be a potent electoral tool.

More than meets the eye

But beneath the showmanship lies raw resentment and resolve. In a fiery speech, Tej Pratap named his "five Jaychands"—traitors who he claims ruined his career—framing his expulsion as a conspiracy fueled by jealousy. This moment, documented in an extended footage from August 22, reveals a man unmasked, roaring back against perceived injustices.

Tej Pratap ties this narrative to his father's ideals, promising free electricity and development if elected, while warning that denying him the Mahua ticket could spell doom for his rivals.

The people's response has been electric. In Mahua, crowds chant slogans like "Mahua's MLA should be like Tej Pratap Yadav!" as seen in enthusiastic rally videos from August 19 and 18.

These grassroots echoes underscore his local stronghold, where he positions himself as "Mahua's own son," pledging victories rooted in community work rather than dynasty.

Tej Pratap's ambitions soar higher still. In a candid interview on August 19.

He boldly declares his intent to become Bihar's chief minister, criticising Tejashwi for straying from the path. This family feud adds layers of drama, pitting brother against brother in a high-stakes electoral battle. Meanwhile, his party's launch, highlighted in a news segment from the same day, emphasising real issues like employment and education, marking a shift toward substantive politics.

On the campaign trail, Tej Pratap remains relentless. Heading to public meetings in Begusarai, he insists the people will decide contests, as captured in a brief car interview from August 23.

He discusses preparations and confirms Mahua as his turf in another clip from August 18, vowing no room for outsiders.

Even earlier, on August 10, he addressed supporters with promises of progress, sealing his narrative of resilience.

As Bihar gears up for polls, Tej Pratap's journey from "divine madness" to political rebel raises intriguing questions. Will his coalition topple titans like the RJD-BJP juggernaut, or will family rifts dilute his momentum? One thing is clear: this Yadav scion is no longer a punchline but a player rewriting the script. For voters in Mahua and beyond, his campaign embodies hope amid chaos, a testament to how betrayal can fuel rebirth in India's vibrant democracy.

election Bihar Tejashwi Yadav