Can RJD Survive the Backlash from Tej Pratap's Expulsion?

New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) The political landscape of Bihar is no stranger to upheaval, but the latest development surrounding Tej Pratap Yadav, the son of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, has left political analysts astonished. A now-deleted social media post featuring a woman named Anushka Yadav and a bold declaration of love has sparked a social media uproar, culminating in Tej Pratap's ousting from the party and estrangement from his family.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is now in crisis management mode, just a day after Tej Pratap's dramatic removal due to what was labeled as “irresponsible behavior” and a lack of moral integrity. While Lalu Prasad’s decision to expel his own son may be interpreted as a strategy to establish moral authority and enforce discipline within the party, the timing has raised serious questions.

With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the RJD is now tasked with balancing internal cohesion and public perception, especially amidst growing concerns about factionalism and generational divides within the Yadav family. The pressing inquiry is not solely about Tej Pratap’s political trajectory but whether the RJD can sustain its public image without jeopardizing its foundational support.

This controversy comes at a particularly inopportune time for the RJD, with the Assembly elections on the horizon. With one son facing turmoil and the party’s reputation at stake, Lalu Prasad’s decisive actions seem aimed at damage control. However, in Bihar politics, where private lives and public personas intertwine, Tej Pratap’s love saga might have irrevocably altered his political destiny.

The saga unfolded when Tej Pratap posted a photograph with Anushka Yadav, asserting that they had been in a committed relationship for over a decade. “We are in love and have been in a relationship for the last 12 years,” the post proclaimed. The image and accompanying caption quickly went viral, garnering both intrigue and backlash. The public admission shocked the political community, particularly given the Yadav family's traditionally conservative image.

Who is Anushka Yadav? Information about her is limited. She is reportedly from Langartoli in Patna and is the daughter of Manoj Yadav. Notably, her brother Akash Yadav previously led the RJD's student wing—an appointment made by Tej Pratap himself. However, internal party dynamics soured their relationship, leading to Akash's removal by RJD state President Jagdanand Singh and his subsequent defection to the LJP faction led by Pashupati Paras. Some speculate that this prior fallout may be linked to the ongoing scandal.

In the midst of the online chaos, Tej Pratap claimed his social media accounts had been compromised. “Someone is attempting to defame and harass me and my family,” he stated in Hindi, dismissing the viral post as digitally manipulated. Yet, the damage had already been inflicted.

Lalu Prasad responded decisively, issuing a statement severing both political and familial ties with his eldest son. “Irresponsible behavior and disregard for moral values weaken our collective fight for social justice,” he asserted. “From today, Tej Pratap will have no role in the party or the family.” This effectively resulted in Tej Pratap’s six-year expulsion, closing the door on his RJD career—at least for now.

The controversy has also brought back memories of Tej Pratap’s tumultuous marriage to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Rai. The couple married in 2018 in a lavish political affair, but within months, Aishwarya left, citing harassment and abuse. Her father, Chandrika Roy, resigned from the RJD in protest, supporting his daughter’s legal struggle. Since then, the divorce proceedings have turned into a public spectacle, with Aishwarya accusing Tej Pratap of drug abuse and cross-dressing, while Tej Pratap has alleged alimony demands.