"Learn Respect from Laxman," Tej Pratap Advises Brother Tejashwi

Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav has publicly rebuked his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, invoking the revered sibling dynamic of Lord Rama and Laxman from the Ramayana. Recently expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) by their father, party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap has launched his own political outfit, the Jan Shakti Janata Dal (JSJD), and is charting an independent course ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. His sharp comments, made on October 2, 2025, in response to Tejashwi’s allegations, underscore a deepening rift within one of India’s most prominent political dynasties.

The controversy erupted when Tejashwi, the RJD’s deputy chief minister candidate and current Leader of Opposition in Bihar, accused his elder brother of fielding close aides as rebel candidates during his tenure in the party, undermining its unity. Addressing these charges in his characteristic fiery style, Tej Pratap, the MLA from Hasanpur, shot back: “Being the younger brother, he should act with a sense of propriety (maryada) just like Laxman did in the case of Ram. He is getting misled by people comparable to Jaichand.” The reference to Jaichand, a medieval Hindu king infamous for betraying Prithviraj Chauhan to aid Afghan invader Muhammad Ghori, was a pointed jab at Tejashwi’s inner circle, particularly Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, whom Tej Pratap has repeatedly likened to the historical traitor.

Tej Pratap’s remarks signal not just a personal grievance but a strategic pivot. He confirmed his intention to contest the 2025 assembly polls from Mahua, a constituency neighboring Tejashwi’s stronghold of Raghopur, where he made his electoral debut in 2015. This move sets the stage for a high-stakes sibling showdown in Vaishali district, a traditional RJD bastion, potentially splitting the party’s vote bank and reshaping Bihar’s political landscape. The elder Yadav’s formation of JSJD marks a bold bid to carve out his own legacy, free from the shadow of his father’s party, which he has accused of sidelining him in favor of Tejashwi’s leadership.

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Beyond the family feud, Tej Pratap waded into broader cultural and political debates. Commenting on the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he dismissed the organization’s historical relevance, stating, “The RSS had played no role in the Independence movement. We are followers of Mahatma Gandhi.” His alignment with Gandhian ideals reflects an attempt to appeal to secular voters while distancing himself from the BJP-aligned RSS, a key player in Bihar’s coalition politics.

Tej Pratap also addressed the contentious “I love Muhammad” controversy, which has stirred religious tensions in parts of India. Expressing reverence for Islam, he declared, “I have a copy of the Holy Quran. I hold the Prophet in high esteem. Those who are raising controversies are only vitiating the atmosphere.” His comments aim to position him as a unifying figure amid polarized debates, contrasting with his combative stance toward his brother’s camp.

The Yadav family saga has captivated Bihar’s political observers, with Tej Pratap’s mercurial persona and penchant for dramatic metaphors—often drawn from mythology or history—adding fuel to the narrative. His exit from the RJD, a party synonymous with Lalu Prasad’s populist legacy, has raised questions about its cohesion as it braces for a fierce electoral battle against the NDA coalition. Analysts suggest that Tej Pratap’s JSJD could draw support from disaffected RJD voters, particularly in rural pockets where his flamboyant style and grassroots connect resonate.

As the 2025 polls loom, the brotherly clash threatens to redefine the RJD’s future and test the loyalty of its cadre. For now, Tej Pratap’s call for Tejashwi to emulate Laxman’s devotion to Rama underscores not just a demand for respect but a deeper struggle for relevance in a dynasty where power, loyalty, and betrayal are as intertwined as the epics he invokes.

Also Read: RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav Condemns BJP Minister Over Journalist Attack