Muzaffarpur: Tej Pratap Yadav, recently expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and estranged from the Lalu family following a viral photo controversy, publicly aired his grievances during a gathering in Bochahan, Muzaffarpur, on Sunday evening. In an emotionally charged speech, Yadav took indirect aim at his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, and criticised the party’s internal functioning.
Addressing supporters for the first time since forming his new political team, Yadav described himself as a “leader of the ground” as opposed to “helicopter leaders” – a veiled dig at Tejashwi, who has been frequently seen campaigning by helicopter. “We do not boast because we are not helicopter leaders. We walk holding on to the ground,” he said. “Some people fly in helicopters, and the public gets scared that they might get blown away.”
Referring to his ousting from the party and public distancing by his brother, Tej Pratap lamented, “I always considered him Arjun. I was the charioteer. I had no greed, nor did I wish to become anything. But I was removed by conspirators.” He also accused senior figures in the party, including Bihar RJD president Manganilal Mandal, of betrayal and disrespect. “He should be ashamed,” Yadav said, calling Mandal “an old man who has forgotten who the national president is.”
The expelled leader further claimed that there are elements in RJD who showcase their own images while ignoring those who built the party through struggle. “We made our team but never removed the photos of our parents from banners. There are others who have forgotten those who laid the foundation of the party,” he added, implicitly criticising Tejashwi’s growing personal projection.
Yadav also expressed frustration with what he called the party’s detachment from the common people. “If there is public, then the party has meaning. If there is no public, the party has no existence. But when a poor person goes to the Janta Darbar, he is made to wait for hours,” he said.
His remarks come in the backdrop of a viral video showing Tejashwi Yadav celebrating his birthday while eating fish aboard a helicopter – an image that has drawn criticism from within and outside the party. Notably, Tej Pratap has not been part of his brother’s recent campaign tours.
