In a dramatic political and personal development, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday announced the expulsion of his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for a period of six years. The veteran leader also declared that he was cutting all family ties with his son, citing repeated instances of irresponsible behaviour and conduct that he said were "inconsistent with family values and party discipline."
“No Role in Party or Family from Now On” — Lalu's Stern Message
The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Lalu openly rebuked his son's public behaviour and questioned his commitment to moral values.
“The conduct and actions of my eldest son are not in alignment with our family’s principles. Therefore, I am removing him from the party and cutting all personal ties. He will have no role in the RJD or the family for the next six years,” the post read.
Lalu further emphasized that disregarding personal integrity can severely undermine the collective mission of social justice for which the RJD stands.
Controversial Social Media Post Sparks Fallout
The expulsion comes a day after controversial photos of Tej Pratap Yadav with a woman surfaced on his official Facebook page. The accompanying caption claimed that the two had been in a relationship for 12 years. Though the post was deleted within hours, it caused a political storm, given that Tej Pratap is still legally married to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rai. The couple married in 2018 but soon separated, and their divorce case is currently pending in court.
Tej Pratap later issued a statement claiming that his social media accounts were hacked, alleging that the photos had been doctored to tarnish his image. However, the damage appeared to be done.
Family, Party Stand Firm Behind Lalu’s Decision
While the expulsion shocked many, both Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s younger son and political heir, and daughter Rohini Acharya, came out in support of their father’s decision.
Tejashwi, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, said:
“My elder brother is an adult and free to make personal choices, but certain things are unacceptable. Our national president has acted in accordance with the party’s ethos.”
Rohini Acharya also issued a statement condemning Tej Pratap's repeated acts of "indecent conduct and disregard for family values."
Political Implications in an Election Year
The development comes just months ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, and many political observers see this move as an attempt by the RJD to protect its image and distance itself from internal controversies that the BJP-JD(U) alliance could exploit.
RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav reiterated the party’s commitment to discipline and its ideology of social justice, saying that “no leader or worker is above party values.”
Opposition Reacts Sharply
Rival political leaders were quick to respond. JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar termed the move “a staged drama”, questioning why Lalu only remembered family values now and not when Aishwarya Rai was allegedly mistreated by the Yadav family.
BJP leader Nikhil Anand also weighed in, saying:
“Tej Pratap should have come clean about his personal life before marrying into a reputed political family. He must apologize to Aishwarya Rai’s family.”
The expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav not only marks a personal rift in Bihar’s most prominent political family but also sends a clear message about discipline within the RJD. Whether this will improve the party’s public image ahead of the polls or further deepen the internal rift remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Lalu Prasad has drawn a firm line—both politically and personally.