Tej Pratap Yadav’s Growing Proximity to BJP and Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Silence: Is Tejashwi Yadav Growing Uneasy?

Patna: Bihar’s political landscape is witnessing a new equation. Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, appears to be getting closer to the BJP. Amidst this, Lalu Prasad Yadav has maintained a notable silence, while Tejashwi Yadav seems increasingly uneasy. Let’s explore the political implications.

Tej Pratap’s Rising Influence
During the Makar Sankranti celebrations in Patna, Tej Pratap Yadav hosted a traditional dahi-chura event. Without naming any political party, he stated that he would accept any responsibility entrusted to him. This has sparked speculation that he might join the BJP. Last May, Tej Pratap was expelled from the RJD by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Despite this, his recent actions suggest he is making a political comeback.

Interestingly, a day prior, he had attended a dahi-chura event organized by BJP senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. His own event was attended by prominent figures including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Deputy CM Sinha, State Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, Ashok Choudhary, and even Lalu Prasad Yadav. While Lalu’s presence was surprising, Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, did not attend despite being invited. Though Lalu refrained from speaking to the media, his mere presence caused a stir, with many viewing it as a potential reconciliation with his estranged elder son.

Family Ties Amid Politics
Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha remarked that Lalu and Tej Pratap are, after all, family, and such events are occasions to remain together. Tej Pratap had been expelled from the RJD last May following revelations on social media about his extramarital relationship, despite being married since 2018. Lalu cited “irresponsible behavior against family values” for the six-year expulsion and severed familial ties. Subsequently, Tej Pratap formed his own party, JJD, in September, just two months before the Bihar elections.

Is Tejashwi Yadav Uneasy?
Tej Pratap contested the Mahua Assembly seat as a JJD candidate but lost to the LJP (RV) candidate led by Chirag Paswan. However, his recent statements suggest he is exploring political opportunities, including potential BJP membership and an MLC position. Sources indicate he also reached out to JD(U), but Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not shown a positive response yet. When asked at Deputy CM Sinha’s event whether he intends to join the NDA, Tej Pratap said, “Our political ideologies may differ, but our cultural values align. The rest will be revealed in due course.”

Dahi-Chura Celebrations and Politics
On Wednesday, two additional dahi-chura events took place in Patna—one hosted by JD(U) MLA Ratnesh Sada and another by BJP leaders. Such traditional events, including Iftar dinners during Ramadan, often serve as subtle political messaging platforms in Bihar. Speculation is rife that Tej Pratap could be nominated for the Rajya Sabha in April, as five seats from Bihar are set to become vacant.

As Tej Pratap navigates his political future, Lalu’s silence and Tejashwi’s visible unease signal a complex family-political dynamic unfolding in Bihar.