Patna: The political succession battle in Bihar’s most prominent political family — that of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav — has now moved from the pages of election affidavits to the polling battleground. Former Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav filed his nomination papers on Wednesday, followed a day later by his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, signaling an electoral clash of contrasts between the two sons of Bihar’s powerful Yadav clan.
A scrutiny of their election affidavits reveals a striking divergence in their political and financial journeys. While Tejashwi Yadav’s stature has grown within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), his legal troubles and financial liabilities have multiplied, raising fresh questions about his image as the party’s “crown prince.” In contrast, Tej Pratap Yadav, now leading a new outfit — the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) — may be politically isolated, but he has emerged debt-free and recorded an explosive rise in income.
Tejashwi Yadav: Rising Political Star, Mounting Legal Troubles
Tejashwi Yadav, contesting once again from his family stronghold Raghopur in Vaishali district, has declared total assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, a marginal increase from Rs 5.89 crore in 2020. However, his liabilities have ballooned by 108 times, from just Rs 17,578 five years ago to Rs 1.91 crore today — the majority being a disputed income tax liability of Rs 1.35 crore.
His affidavit also reveals a steep rise in legal entanglements. The number of criminal cases against him has doubled — from 11 in 2020 to 22 in 2025, many of which are serious in nature. These include cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigated by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate.
Adding to his troubles, a Delhi court recently framed charges against him in the IRCTC “Land for Jobs” scam, marking a critical legal setback just before the elections. Analysts believe this could cast a long shadow on his campaign and give opposition parties potent ammunition.
Despite these hurdles, Tejashwi remains the face of youth politics in Bihar and the principal challenger to the ruling NDA. However, he now faces a dual battle — one in the courtroom and the other at the ballot box.
Tej Pratap Yadav: Politically Isolated but Financially Sound
Meanwhile, Tej Pratap Yadav, once the state’s Health Minister and a high-profile member of the RJD, is now contesting independently from Mahua constituency under his newly floated Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD). His affidavit offers a contrasting picture to that of his younger brother.
Tej Pratap’s total assets have risen modestly to Rs 2.88 crore, up 8.3% from 2020. Notably, he has cleared all outstanding loans, becoming completely debt-free, compared to Rs 17.58 lakh in bank loans five years ago. The most eye-catching figure is his income growth of 637% in the past five years — rising to Rs 22.93 lakh in FY 2024–25, nearly double Tejashwi’s declared income of Rs 11.46 lakh.
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and spiritual leanings, Tej Pratap describes himself as a follower of Lord Krishna. His affidavit lists a BMW, a Skoda, and a CBR 1000RR superbike among his possessions.
However, his legal record also shows deterioration. The number of cases against him has grown from five in 2020 to eight in 2025, mostly related to local disputes, violations of the Epidemic Act, and domestic violence allegations filed by his estranged wife, Aishwarya Rai. None of the cases involve corruption, and charges have not been framed in any so far.
Brothers, but Rivals in Destiny
The 2025 elections mark a turning point in the political journey of both brothers. For Tejashwi, this is a fight to protect his political reputation amid growing legal scrutiny. His leadership of the RJD and ambitions for the Chief Minister’s post depend heavily on whether voters perceive the corruption allegations as politically motivated or genuine.
For Tej Pratap, the election is about political survival and relevance. Having distanced himself from the RJD, his success in Mahua will determine if he can build an independent identity beyond the Yadav family name.
Legacy at Stake
The Yadav brothers’ affidavits, when compared to those from 2020, reveal more than just numbers — they depict the shifting balance of power within Bihar’s first political family. While Tejashwi’s clout in the opposition has grown, his financial and legal troubles have multiplied. Tej Pratap, on the other hand, has improved his personal finances but continues to search for political footing.
The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are thus not only a contest for power but also a referendum on Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political legacy — to decide who among his sons truly carries forward his mantle.
