New Delhi: The expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and his removal from the Lalu family marks the culmination of years of controversies and unconventional conduct by the former Bihar minister. Known for his eccentric style and unpredictable behaviour, this is not the first time Tej Pratap has created unfavourable situations for his family and party.
Despite repeated provocations in the past, the Lalu family had largely refrained from publicly criticising Tej Pratap. However, his recent viral post claiming a 12-year relationship — made while he was previously married — appears to have crossed a line. The post, which he later disowned claiming his account was hacked, drew public backlash and seems to have been the tipping point.
When Tej Pratap asked a policeman to dance
Tej Pratap has often dominated headlines in Bihar for his unusual dress sense, spiritual rituals, and erratic statements. During this year’s Holi celebrations, he drew criticism after instructing a policeman to dance at a party, prompting a huge political uproar.
His long-standing rift with senior RJD leader Jagdanand Singh also attracted attention. Around four years ago, he openly rebelled against Singh after the latter replaced Tej Pratap’s aide Akash Yadav with Gagan Yadav — a supporter of Tejashwi Yadav — as the student wing president. The feud escalated to the party’s top leadership.
In 2022, while serving as Bihar’s environment minister, Tej Pratap stirred controversy by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “traitor”, in response to Modi branding the opposition alliance “arrogant”. The remark provoked a strong reaction from the BJP.
Tej Pratap’s rift with RJD leaders
His confrontations with the Centre date back to 2017, when the withdrawal of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Z+ security triggered Tej Pratap to allege a murder conspiracy and threaten retaliation — statements widely condemned across the political spectrum.
In 2024, he embarrassed the party again during a visit to Mahua, suggesting he might contest elections from the constituency currently represented by party MLA Mukesh Roshan. The unexpected declaration brought Roshan to tears on stage, a moment that went viral and cast a shadow over RJD’s internal discipline.
Tej Pratap’s personal life has also drawn media attention. In 2018, just months after his marriage to Aishwarya Rai, he filed for divorce, triggering a media storm that added to the Lalu family’s troubles.
