What Triggered the Tej Pratap Yadav Controversy?
Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, found himself at the center of a political and personal storm. A viral Facebook post claiming a 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav sparked widespread controversy, especially given his ongoing divorce battle with Aishwarya Rai. Tej Pratap’s subsequent claim of a hacked account did little to quell the uproar, leading to his dramatic expulsion from the RJD and his family by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. With the Bihar 2025 Assembly Elections looming, this episode has significant implications for Tej Pratap’s political future and the RJD’s dynamics.
Tej Pratap Yadav has revealed that he is in relationship with Anushka Yadav for the last 12 years...so around 2013.
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) May 24, 2025
Despite being in a relationship he married Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Rai in 2018 and destroyed her life.
Soon after… pic.twitter.com/o2HbwzutkC
A post on Tej Pratap Yadav’s verified Facebook account announced a 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav, accompanied by a photograph of the two. This revelation stunned followers, given his high-profile marriage to Aishwarya Rai in 2018, which ended in separation within months and remains mired in a contentious divorce case. The post, initially uploaded at 6:22 PM IST, was deleted after going viral but reappeared 10 minutes later, fueling speculation and criticism. Tej Pratap quickly claimed his account was hacked, alleging the photo was edited to defame him and his family. However, no formal complaint about the hacking has been confirmed, raising doubts about his claim. The timing, just months before the Bihar 2025 Assembly Elections, amplified the controversy, drawing attention to Tej Pratap’s already turbulent personal and political life.
Why Did Lalu Prasad Yadav Expel His Son from RJD?
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav expels his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for 6 years, he also removed him from the family.
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2025
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav posts on 'X': "Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The… pic.twitter.com/ZXAcH47hac
Lalu Prasad Yadav, the RJD supremo, took the unprecedented step of expelling Tej Pratap from the party and family for six years on May 25, 2025. In a public statement, Lalu cited Tej Pratap’s “repeated disregard for personal ethics and public responsibility” as the reason, emphasizing that moral values are critical to the RJD’s fight for social justice. The viral post, whether genuine or hacked, was seen as a violation of family and party values, especially given the ongoing divorce proceedings with Aishwarya Rai, which have already strained family ties. Lalu’s decision also reflects a strategic move to consolidate power around his younger son, Tejashwi Yadav, who was officially handed RJD leadership in January 2025. With the Bihar elections approaching, Lalu likely aimed to curb further damage to the party’s image, signaling a focus on discipline and public accountability.
What Are the Implications for Tej Pratap and Bihar Politics?
Tej Pratap’s expulsion marks a significant shift in RJD’s internal dynamics and Bihar’s political landscape. His removal isolates him from the party’s campaign for the 2025 Assembly Elections, where he was set to contest the Mahua seat. The controversy has weakened his political standing, with public sentiment on platforms like X divided—some view Lalu’s action as harsh, while others see it as necessary damage control.
🚨Video of Tej Pratap marrying Anushka Yadav leaked in Media.
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) May 25, 2025
Tej Pratap Yadav's divorce case is already ongoing.
After this video, Lalu Family is going to get in lot of trouble. pic.twitter.com/Cw8g9lkXd2
The episode strengthens Tejashwi Yadav’s position as the RJD’s face, potentially streamlining the party’s strategy but risking alienation of Tej Pratap’s supporters. The ongoing divorce case with Aishwarya Rai, coupled with past controversies like the 2021 Holi incident where Tej Pratap was criticized for ordering a policeman to dance, adds to his image as a polarizing figure. Without a clear political path, Tej Pratap’s future remains uncertain, potentially reshaping RJD’s electoral prospects and family dynamics in Bihar.
Tej Pratap Yadav’s May 2025 controversy, sparked by a viral Facebook post about a 12-year relationship, has led to his dramatic expulsion from the RJD and his family by Lalu Prasad Yadav. His hacking claim has not quelled the backlash, and with the Bihar 2025 Assembly Elections on the horizon, the fallout threatens his political career while reinforcing Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership. The saga underscores the volatile intersection of personal scandals and political strategy in Bihar, leaving Tej Pratap’s role in the RJD and the state’s political future in limbo.
