Lalu Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD Amid Social Media Controversy

In a dramatic turn of events, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav has expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the party for six years, citing "irresponsible behaviour" and a deviation from the family's values. The decision, announced on Sunday, also severs familial ties, marking a significant rift within one of Bihar’s most prominent political families. This move comes just months before the crucial Bihar Assembly elections, where the RJD, led by Lalu’s younger son Tejashwi Yadav, aims to challenge BJP led alliance along with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

Background

The expulsion follows a controversial Facebook post from Tej Pratap’s verified account on Saturday, May 24, 2025, which claimed he had been in a 12-year relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. The post, accompanied by images, went viral, sparking widespread speculation and debate, particularly given Tej Pratap’s ongoing divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Aishwarya Rai. "I am Tej Pratap Yadav and the girl who is seen with me in this picture is Anushka Yadav. We both have known each other for the last 12 years and love each other deeply. We have been in a relationship throughout these years. I wanted to share this with all of you for a long time, but couldn't find the right words. Today, through this post, I am opening my heart to you. I hope you all will understand”, read the now deleted post. Hours later, Tej Pratap deleted the post, claiming his account was hacked and that the images were manipulated using artificial intelligence to defame him and his family. He urged supporters to disregard the "rumours" and stated that no police complaint had been filed regarding the alleged hack.


However, the damage was done. The post reignited scrutiny of Tej Pratap’s personal life, which has often been a source of controversy. “Ignoring moral values ​​in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behavioiur of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values ​​and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years”, said Lalu Yadav. While advocating for probity in public life, the veteran leader further added “He is capable of seeing the good and bad and merits and demerits of his personal life. All those who will have relations with him should take their own decisions”.

Tej Pratap, the eldest son of Lalu Prasad and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, has been a much talked about figure in Bihar politics. A sitting MLA from Hasanpur and a former state minister, he has often made headlines for his unconventional behaviour. In March 2025, he faced backlash for ordering a police constable assigned as his bodyguard to perform a “thumka” (dance move) during Holi celebrations, threatening suspension if the officer refused. The incident, captured on video, drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the RJD of perpetuating a culture of disrespect toward law enforcement.

A trained pilot, Tej had recently offered his services to the nation amid India-Pakistan tensions in May 2025 during ‘Operation Sindoor’, has struggled to carve out a stable political identity. Unlike Tejashwi Yadav, his younger brother, who is seen as a pragmatic and disciplined leader and also Lalu Yadav’s political heir, Tej Pratap’s tenure as Bihar’s Environment and Health Minister was marked by gaffes and controversies. His public statements, often laced with theatrical flair, have made him a frequent target of ridicule, even as he claims that he enjoys a loyal base in Hasanpur.