Rift Widens Between Tej Pratap and Tejashwi Yadav: Internal Strife Deepens in Bihar’s RJD

Political tensions within Bihar’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) appear to be at an all-time high as the rift between brothers Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav continues to widen, especially with elections approaching.

Just a week ago, Tej Pratap publicly advised his younger brother Tejashwi to beware of “traitors” within the RJD, suggesting these individuals could prevent Tejashwi from becoming Chief Minister. “There are people like Jai Chand with him; will they ever let him become Chief Minister?” Tej Pratap remarked, expressing both skepticism and support for his brother’s aspirations.

Tej Pratap also asserted that if RJD denies him a ticket, he will contest as an independent. “If RJD gives me a ticket, I’ll fight; if not, I’ll stand as an independent. Whoever contests under the RJD banner, I will defeat them,” he claimed, underlining his confidence in his popularity with the masses rather than the party machinery.

However, Tej Pratap has also made it clear that ultimate power lies with the people: “Who am I to defeat anyone? It’s the people who decide.” He maintains that, even if forced out, he stands with everyone and does not regard himself as separate from his party or supporters.

Significantly, his tone has sharpened toward Tejashwi after his expulsion from the party. At a recent public rally in Hajipur’s Mahua constituency—where he has announced his candidacy—Tej Pratap positioned himself as the true torchbearer of Lalu Yadav’s legacy and champion of social justice. There, he accused his political rivals of being immature, likening them to “children who cry for everything” and reaffirmed his familial lineage by urging voters to “support Lalu Yadav by supporting me.”

The escalating feud has led political observers to question whether the brotherly partnership—once likened to the mythological duo Krishna and Arjun—has broken down for good. Initially, Tej Pratap had avoided direct criticism of Tejashwi, preferring to allude to unnamed party figures. But after the announcement of his Mahua candidacy, he has not hesitated to name Tejashwi and challenge his leadership.

Further controversy erupted when Tej Pratap openly attacked the party over remarks allegedly made by RJD legislator Bhai Virendra towards a Dalit panchayat secretary, calling on Tejashwi to take a clear stance on such issues. The BJP quickly seized the opportunity to criticize RJD’s internal handling of sensitive, caste-based matters.

Many, including supporters within RJD, see Tej Pratap’s bold moves as justified. They argue that his expulsion was over personal family matters, whereas issues like public humiliation of a Dalit government employee are far more serious and demand party acknowledgement and action—something they expect from Tejashwi’s leadership.

As the war of words intensifies and the Yadav brothers publicly spar, it is expected that the internal battle within RJD and the Yadav family will heat up further ahead of the upcoming elections. Observers believe that Tej Pratap’s rebellious stance and growing discontent could pose major challenges for the RJD, complicating party unity during a critical electoral period.

Reporting from Patna, Shashibhushan and Rohit Kumar Singh.