Introduction: A Rift Within the RJD
The political storm brewing within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 2025 has grabbed national headlines, with Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, at the center of a bitter confrontation with the RJD leadership. What started as subtle discontent has now evolved into a full-blown political fallout, revealing deep-seated cracks in Bihar’s most prominent regional party.
This article traces the events, causes, and consequences of the Tej Pratap Yadav vs RJD leadership saga, offering an insightful timeline of developments and what they mean for Bihar politics and beyond.
Background: Tej Pratap Yadav and His Political Standing
Tej Pratap Yadav, once considered a relatively eccentric but loyal member of the RJD, has had a tumultuous political journey. While his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, has emerged as the do face to face of the party and leader of opposition in Bihar, Tej Pratap’s political career has been marked by controversy, spiritual statements, and internal feuds.
Tej Pratap has often complained about being sidelined by the party’s inner circle. His aspirations for a bigger role have clashed with the direction the RJD leadership has chosen under Tejashwi’s modern and data-driven approach.
January 2025: Rising Tensions Behind Closed Doors
The new year began with murmurs of dissatisfaction. Tej Pratap Yadav, in private meetings and select interviews, expressed disappointment over not being included in key strategy discussions leading to the Lok Sabha elections. Party insiders reported that he was upset about being left out of campaign planning committees and regional outreach programs.
February 2025: Public Outburst and Twitter Storm
In February, Tej Pratap took to social media in a fiery rant against unnamed party leaders, whom he accused of conspiring against him. Though he didn’t directly name Tejashwi, the implications were clear. This marked the first public display of his rift with the RJD leadership.
March 2025: The “Parallel Campaign” Move
In what many called a rebellious act, Tej Pratap Yadav announced an independent public outreach campaign under the banner “Jan Samvad Yatra,” parallel to the official RJD campaign led by Tejashwi. Though he claimed it was not anti-RJD, the move was widely seen as a direct challenge to the party’s central leadership.
This raised questions: Was Tej Pratap trying to carve out his own support base? Was this the beginning of a formal split?
April 2025: Family Mediation Fails
Veteran leader and RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav reportedly tried to mediate peace between his sons. Closed-door family meetings took place in Patna and Delhi. However, sources close to the family confirmed that the gap between Tej Pratap and the RJD leadership had grown too wide.
“Due to his deteriorating health and declining political influence, Lalu found it increasingly difficult to rein in Tej Pratap, who began to see himself as a revolutionary voice representing the true values of the RJD.”
May 2025: Allegations, Accusations, and Party Turmoil
By May, the battle turned more confrontational. Tej Pratap Yadav openly accused senior RJD leaders of corruption and favoritism, demanding a revamp of the party structure. He even hinted at forming a new political outfit if reforms were not undertaken.
This created a leadership crisis within the RJD, as local leaders feared a split in the vote base just ahead of the assembly bypolls. The RJD leadership, led by Tejashwi, responded cautiously, avoiding direct confrontations but reinforcing party discipline.
Root Causes: Why Did Tej Pratap Yadav Rebel?
- Identity Crisis Within the Party
Tej Pratap Yadav has long felt overshadowed by his younger brother, who has enjoyed broader popularity and support from both grassroots workers and the national opposition alliance. His rebellion is partly rooted in an identity crisis the feeling that he, as the elder son, has been relegated to a symbolic role.
- Clash of Ideologies
Tej Pratap Yadav often presents himself as a protector of “traditional Lohia socialism” and the legacy of Lalu Prasad. In contrast, the RJD leadership under Tejashwi is focused on modernization, digital campaigning, and alliances with like-minded parties. This ideological mismatch has deepened the divide.
- Lack of a Clear Role
Despite holding ministerial roles in the past, Tej Pratap has not been given any key post in the new RJD setup. His supporters argue that he deserves a more defined and influential role, while critics believe his unpredictable behavior makes him a liability.
Political Implications: What Does This Mean for RJD and Bihar?
The most immediate threat is a formal split in the RJD, which could seriously damage its electoral prospects. Even if Tej Pratap doesn’t launch a new party, his rebellion may pull away a segment of the Yadav vote base.
Weakening of Opposition Unity
Tej Pratap’s outburst adds fuel to the BJP’s narrative of opposition disunity. The timing is critical, with general elections around the corner and the INDIA bloc trying to present a united front.
Voter Confusion and Fatigue
Voters in Bihar, already fatigued by frequent leadership changes and internal conflicts, may view this fallout as another example of dynastic dysfunction. This could result in voter apathy or shift support toward more stable options.
Media and Public Reaction: Sympathy or Skepticism?
The media has largely portrayed Tej Pratap Yadav as a rebel without a cause, though some commentators argue that his grievances are legitimate. Public opinion remains divided. While his spiritual demeanor and candid outbursts earn him attention, many view him as unpredictable and lacking the political finesse of his younger brother.
Interestingly, younger voters on social media have shown some curiosity about his ideology-focused speeches, especially his call for party reform and transparency.
Future Scenarios: What Lies Ahead?
Scenario 1: Reconciliation Under Pressure
Lalu Prasad Yadav may still play a role in brokering peace, especially if the threat of electoral loss becomes urgent. A face-saving truce that gives Tej Pratap some role in the campaign is possible.
Scenario 2: Tej Pratap Floats a New Party
If reconciliation fails, Tej Pratap could float a new party based on “real socialist values” or join forces with other disgruntled leaders. This would drastically alter the political equations in Bihar.
Scenario 3: Marginalization and Irrelevance
If neither reconciliation nor a successful new movement emerges, Tej Pratap could face political isolation. Without grassroots mobilization or a clear vision, he risks fading into irrelevance.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership and Legacy
The 2025 fallout between Tej Pratap Yadav and the RJD leadership is more than a family feud it’s a battle for ideological relevance, leadership legacy, and the future direction of one of India’s most storied regional parties. Whether Tej Pratap emerges as a reformist force or fades into political obscurity will depend on the choices he makes in the coming months.
One thing is certain: the political landscape in Bihar is changing, and this saga will remain a pivotal chapter in the RJD’s evolving history.
Official website :- https://rjd.co.in/
