Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, was seen at Patna airport receiving his wife Rajshree Yadav, newborn son Iraj Lalu Yadav, and daughter Katyayani, marking the family’s first public appearance together since the child’s birth. The family left for Rabri Devi’s residence at 10 Circular Road shortly after.
Rajshree Yadav arrived in Patna from Kolkata on her first visit since giving birth to Iraj, the couple’s second child. Tejashwi, who married his childhood friend Rajshree (formerly Rachel) in December 2021, took to social media on May 26 to share the news of his son’s birth, posting a picture with the caption: “Finally the wait is over. I am very happy with the arrival of a small child in the house. Jai Hanuman.”
The next day, party patriarch and Tejashwi’s father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, announced the child’s name on X (formerly Twitter): “We and Rabri Devi have named our granddaughter Katyayani’s younger brother as Iraj. Tejashwi and Rajshree have given him the full name Iraj Lalu Yadav.”
Lalu further explained the significance of the name, noting that Katyayani was born during Navratri, and Iraj was born on a Tuesday, considered auspicious as the day of Lord Hanuman. “This little prince was born on the day of Bajrangbali. Hence, he was named Iraj,” Lalu wrote, thanking well-wishers for their blessings.
A short hospital video shared on social media captured Tejashwi informing his father via video call: “Papa, you have a son, you have a grandson.” Another image showed Lalu holding the newborn in his lap, calling it a proud moment for the family, while Rabri Devi was seen blessing the infant. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also extended his congratulations to the Yadav family.
Tejashwi’s elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, posted on Instagram: “With the infinite grace and blessings of Shri Banke Bihari Ji, I have got the privilege of becoming Bade Papa on the birth of a son.” He offered warm wishes to the couple, referring to his nephew with affection. However, Tej Pratap remains estranged from the family after Lalu reportedly expelled him from both the party and family for six years over internal differences.
The joyous occasion also saw a visit from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who personally met the Yadav family to offer her blessings. Speaking to the press, she said, “Tejashwi had messaged me, and I told him I’d come at 6 am. I have met both Lalu ji and Rabri ji. The child is beautiful—just like his parents.”
This marks Tejashwi Yadav’s second experience of fatherhood. In March 2023, he and Rajshree welcomed their daughter Katyayani while Tejashwi was serving as Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister. That period coincided with mounting legal pressure on the family amid ED and CBI investigations in the Land-for-Jobs case.
Despite political turbulence, the Yadav family now celebrates a moment of personal happiness, with the arrival of baby Iraj uniting generations of Bihar’s most prominent political dynasty.
