Lalu Prasad Dumps Son Tej Pratap over ‘Moral Lapses’
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tej Pratap Yadav (Image X)
Lalu Prasad Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD and Family
By AMIT KUMAR
PATNA, May 25, 2025 – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family, citing deviations from the moral values upheld by both. The announcement was made via a post on X.
In his statement, Lalu Prasad said Tej Pratap’s actions undermined the RJD’s commitment to social justice. Consequently, Tej Pratap has been barred from the RJD for six years and stripped of any role within the party or family.
“Tej Pratap’s actions and behaviour have deviated from the moral values upheld by the family and the party. Such conduct undermines the collective struggle for social justice,” said Lalu Prasad Yadav in the post.
He, however, didn’t explain the linkage between “personal moral lapse” with the social justice plank. The RJD pivots the state politics around the social justice plank. But political observers stated that the issue involved an infringement of law, as well as moral lapses from a member of a political family.
“The social justice alibi is too weak and the people may not buy the belated action of the RJD patriarch. There had been many instances when Tej Pratap Yadav had crossed limits of socially accepted behaviours,” said a senior Patna-based political observer.
The decision follows controversy over Tej Pratap’s recent claim on social media of a 12-year relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. He later retracted the statement, alleging his account was hacked, and the post was deleted. RJD leaders say the episode caused significant distress within the family, prompting Lalu’s action. “This underscores the RJD’s commitment to ethical standards and aligning personal conduct with party values,” a senior RJD functionary said.
Political observers in Patna note circulating videos alleging Tej Pratap’s second marriage, despite his ongoing divorce case with the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai, who left him after alleging harassment. With Bihar Assembly elections approaching in October-November 2025, RJD leaders worry Tej Pratap’s actions could damage the party’s image. His younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, effectively manages the RJD’s operations.
Analysts suggest Lalu’s move may be belated, as Tej Pratap’s behaviour has long been known to the family. The Yadav clan remains deeply entrenched in politics, with Lalu’s brothers-in-law previously prominent during his tenure as Chief Minister and his two daughters actively contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
This development could reshape the RJD’s internal dynamics and its approach to leadership and discipline ahead of the elections.
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