Patna: With the Bihar Assembly elections entering a heated phase, Jan Shakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has reignited a family feud within the Yadav political dynasty. In a striking remark, he distanced himself from his father and RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, and took a direct swipe at his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, who is being promoted as the “Jan Nayak” (people’s leader) of Bihar.
Speaking to reporters, Tej Pratap said, “We are not under Lalu ji’s shadow. The real shadow over us is that of Bihar’s poor and youth. We will prove ourselves through our own efforts.”
He added, “Karpuri Thakur, Mahatma Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Lohia ji were true people’s leaders. Those calling Tejashwi and Rahul Gandhi ‘Jan Nayaks’ should rethink it. Both are under Lalu ji’s influence — if they can achieve something on their own, only then can they be called real leaders.”
The comments have sent ripples across the political landscape as Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, has featured prominently in campaign posters and rallies across Bihar.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, BJP’s candidate from Tarapur, seized on the remarks to attack the RJD. “The people of Bihar know who the real leader is and who the villain is. Lalu’s family has looted Bihar and destroyed its prosperity,” Choudhary said.
Tej Pratap, who is contesting from Mahua Assembly seat, faces a tough contest against Mukesh Roshan (RJD), Sanjay Kumar Singh (LJP-RV), Amit Kumar (AIMIM), and Indrajeet Pradhan (Jan Suraj) — setting up a five-cornered battle.
