Patna: In a dramatic and emotional turn of events, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday announced the expulsion of his elder son and party MLA, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Yadav family for a period of six years, citing serious breaches of moral conduct and family values.
In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Lalu Yadav declared that Tej Pratap’s recent actions had violated the principles and ethics upon which both the family and the party are built.
“Disregard for moral values in one’s personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice,” Lalu wrote. “My elder son’s activities, public behavior, and irresponsible conduct are not in alignment with our family’s traditions and values. Given these circumstances, I am removing him from both the party and the family. He will have no role in either going forward.”
A Rare Public Denouncement
The post marks a rare instance of a political patriarch publicly distancing himself from his own son. Lalu, a former Chief Minister of Bihar and a towering figure in Indian politics, emphasized that anyone wishing to maintain ties with Tej Pratap is free to do so and should make their own decision independently.
“He is expelled from the party for six years. He is responsible for the consequences of his actions. Those associated with him are free to make their own decisions,” Lalu added. “I have always supported public accountability and public shame in political life. Obedient members of our family have respected and practiced this principle.”
The Trigger: Controversial Social Media Post
Sources suggest that the action was triggered by a controversial social media post made by Tej Pratap, in which he claimed to have remarried after being in a relationship for several years. The post quickly drew attention, leading to speculation and backlash. However, Tej Pratap later clarified that he had not posted the content himself, claiming that his social media accounts had been hacked.
Despite the clarification, Lalu Yadav remained firm in his stance, signaling a deep rift within the Yadav family and the RJD’s internal dynamics.
Political Implications
Tej Pratap Yadav, known for his flamboyant style and unpredictable behavior, has had a tumultuous political career. His expulsion could create ripples within the RJD’s support base, particularly among the Yadav electorate in Bihar. It also raises questions about the succession politics within the RJD, where Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s younger son, is seen as the political heir apparent.
This incident underscores the growing strain within the Yadav clan and highlights how personal conduct is increasingly becoming a decisive factor in political legitimacy.
As of now, Tej Pratap has not issued an official response to his father’s announcement.
