Sitamarhi: At a recent election rally in Sitamarhi, Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, interrupted the crowd chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” insisting instead on the slogan “Jai Siya Ram.” The gesture, accompanied by the application of soil to his forehead, stunned attendees and quickly went viral on social media.
The rally, held under the banner of his new political outfit, Janashakti Janata Dal (JJD), saw Tej Pratap attempt to carve out a distinct political identity following his expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal. Addressing the crowd in Rounisaidpur, he declared: “You have made a mistake. It should not be just ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ but ‘Jai Siya Ram.’ This is the land of Janaki (Sita).”
The statement drew a momentary hush before applause broke out, highlighting the emotional resonance of his intervention. By picking up soil from the ground and applying it to his forehead, Tej Pratap sought to emphasise his connection to local traditions, asserting: “No other politician applies this soil to their forehead from the stage, but we do.” Sitamarhi is considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita, and the slogan was intended to symbolically link religious devotion with regional pride.
Observers in Bihar are divided over the move. Some interpret it as a sign of political maturity and strategic positioning, while others dismiss it as a staged election stunt. Yet the episode has undeniably reignited the debate over the use of “Jai Shri Ram” versus “Jai Siya Ram” in the state’s political discourse.
During the rally, Tej Pratap also urged support for his party, promising a “golden Bihar” driven by education and social justice. “A new dawn will come, and social justice will be implemented,” he said, appealing to voters eager for change.
Political analysts note that Tej Pratap appears to be blending the rhetoric of social justice championed by his father with cultural and religious symbolism, a strategy that could differentiate him in Bihar’s crowded political landscape. Whether this approach translates into electoral success will become clearer in the coming assembly elections.
