Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, is no stranger to the spotlight in Bihar politics. Known for his outspoken nature, his actions often spark debates, with the latest controversy in May 2025 leading to his expulsion from RJD and his family. From a viral Facebook post about a 12-year relationship to earlier incidents like demanding a policeman dance during Holi, Tej Pratap’s controversies have kept him in the headlines. These events, widely discussed on X and in media like Hindustan Times, highlight his unpredictable style, which divides supporters and critics. This article explores his background, key controversies, their impact on RJD, and what lies ahead, shedding light on why the Tej Pratap Yadav controversy continues to shape Bihar’s political scene.
Background of Tej Pratap Yadav
Tej Pratap Yadav, born in 1988, grew up in Patna as the son of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, pillars of Bihar’s RJD. Steeped in a political dynasty, he entered politics in 2013, pushed by Lalu to carry the family legacy. Elected as Mahua’s MLA in 2015, he served as Bihar’s Health and Environment Minister, gaining attention for bold moves like cycling to promote green living. However, his career has been overshadowed by controversies, from public gaffes to personal disputes. His unpredictable style, often shared on social media, keeps him in the news, making him a polarizing figure in Bihar’s political scene, especially compared to his brother Tejashwi.
Family and Political Roots
Tej Pratap hails from the Yadav family, a powerhouse in Bihar politics. Lalu, a former Chief Minister, built RJD on social justice values. Tej Pratap’s upbringing in this environment shaped his entry into politics, though he’s often outshined by Tejashwi, seen as the RJD’s future leader.
Early Political Career
In 2013, Lalu introduced Tej Pratap to politics. Winning Mahua in 2015, he became Health Minister at 27, pushing for hospital upgrades but facing criticism for inexperience. His later role as Environment Minister included eco-friendly initiatives, but his erratic public statements often drew more attention than his work.
The May 2025 Social Media Storm
In May 2025, Tej Pratap ignited a firestorm with a Facebook post claiming a 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav. The post, featuring a photo of them together, went viral, stirring controversy amid his ongoing divorce from Aishwarya Rai. He later deleted it, claiming his account was hacked, but the damage was done. Lalu expelled him from RJD and the family for six years, citing “irresponsible behavior” and disregard for “moral values.” The incident, widely covered by outlets like AajTak and Hindustan Times, fueled debates about his personal life and political future, with critics slamming his judgment and supporters defending his right to privacy.
The Viral Facebook Post
On May 24, 2025, Tej Pratap’s verified Facebook account posted about his 12-year relationship with Anushka Yadav, including a photo. The post, reported by India Today, sparked outrage due to his pending divorce, leading to his swift deletion and a claim of hacking.
Family and Party Reaction
Lalu’s decision to expel Tej Pratap on May 25, 2025, was backed by Tejashwi, who called such behavior “intolerable,” and sister Rohini Acharya, who praised Lalu’s values. The RJD, preparing for 2025 elections, saw the post as damaging, per The Indian Express, escalating family tensions.
Earlier Controversies
Tej Pratap’s controversies aren’t new. In March 2025, a video from his Holi celebrations showed him ordering a Bihar police constable to dance, threatening suspension if he refused. Shared on X, it drew criticism from BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal for abuse of power. In 2022, he called RJD leader Shyam Rajak an “RSS agent” at a Delhi meeting, shocking Lalu. These incidents, reported by LiveMint, highlight his pattern of impulsive actions, from social media outbursts to public gaffes, which have often embarrassed RJD and fueled perceptions of him as erratic, despite his efforts in health and environmental reforms.
Holi Video Incident
During Holi 2025, Tej Pratap’s video instructing a constable to dance went viral on X, sparking outrage. BJP leaders condemned it as bullying, with posts calling it “shameful.” The incident, covered by LiveMint, reinforced his image as unpredictable in public life.
Past Political Gaffes
In 2022, Tej Pratap’s outburst against Shyam Rajak at an RJD meeting, labeling him an “RSS agent,” stunned party leaders. Reported by The Indian Express, such remarks, along with other offhand comments, have consistently drawn criticism, overshadowing his policy efforts and straining party unity.
Personal Life and Divorce Drama
Tej Pratap’s personal life has fueled much of his controversy. His 2018 marriage to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former CM Daroga Rai, collapsed within months. Aishwarya alleged mistreatment, while Tej claimed she demanded high alimony, with their divorce pending in Patna, per LiveMint. Her father, Chandrika Roy, quit RJD, escalating the feud. The 2025 Anushka Yadav post added fuel, with Aishwarya’s supporters on X claiming it strengthened her legal case. These personal disputes, widely discussed in media like Amar Ujala, have painted Tej Pratap as a figure whose private life overshadows his political role, complicating his family’s legacy.
Marriage Breakdown
Tej Pratap married Aishwarya in 2018, but she left soon after, alleging abuse. The divorce case, ongoing in 2025, includes claims of drug use and high alimony demands, per LiveMint. Her father’s exit from RJD turned the personal rift into a political one.
Impact on Public Perception
The divorce and 2025 post about Anushka Yadav have split opinions. X posts show some sympathizing with Aishwarya, while others defend Tej Pratap’s choices. Media like Hindustan Times note his personal controversies often overshadow his political contributions, harming his credibility.
Political Fallout from Expulsion
Lalu’s decision to expel Tej Pratap from RJD for six years, announced on May 25, 2025, has shaken Bihar politics. Cited for “ignoring moral values,” per NDTV, the move came as RJD geared up for 2025 elections, with Tejashwi leading the campaign. The expulsion, backed by Rohini and Tejashwi, highlights family and party discipline but risks voter confusion, as noted by Amar Ujala. Tej Pratap’s claim of a hacked account, unsupported by evidence, failed to calm the storm. This fallout, covered by BusinessToday, could weaken RJD’s unity and shift focus from key issues, impacting Tej Pratap’s political future.
RJD’s Election Challenges
The expulsion, months before Bihar’s 2025 elections, disrupts RJD’s campaign, led by Tejashwi. Media like The Indian Express note it distracts from issues like jobs, with X posts suggesting voter splits. RJD’s image as a united front is at risk.
Tej Pratap’s Political Future
Expelled from RJD, Tej Pratap may run independently or join another party, but his controversies limit options, per Hindustan Times. His Mahua voter base might support him, yet rebuilding trust after the 2025 scandal will be tough, shaping his uncertain path.
Public and Media Reactions
The 2025 controversy has divided opinions. Supporters on X praise Tej Pratap’s candidness, seeing him as authentic, while critics, including BJP leaders, call him reckless, per India Today. Media outlets like AajTak detailed the Anushka post’s fallout, with some labeling him a “curious case” in politics. X posts reflect mixed sentiments—some back Lalu’s discipline, others mock Tej Pratap’s antics. His Holi video and past gaffes, covered by News18, keep him in the headlines, with debates over whether his controversies overshadow his contributions or reflect personal freedom, shaping his polarizing image.
Support from Loyalists
In Mahua, supporters value Tej Pratap’s RJD roots and social justice stance. X posts defend his personal choices, arguing the expulsion was harsh. Some see his environmental efforts, like cycling, as genuine, despite media focus on his controversies.
Criticism and Media Scrutiny
Critics, including BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal, slam Tej Pratap’s behavior, per Times of India. Media like The Indian Express highlight his erratic actions, from the Holi video to the 2025 post, fueling narratives of irresponsibility that overshadow his political work.
Lessons and Implications
Tej Pratap’s controversies highlight the challenges of balancing personal and political life in a public role. His 2025 expulsion, as reported by Firstpost, shows the importance of discipline in family-driven parties like RJD. The incident underscores how social media can amplify personal choices, impacting political careers. For Bihar, it raises questions about RJD’s future, with Tejashwi now central. Tej Pratap’s story, covered by LiveMint, serves as a cautionary tale for leaders navigating public scrutiny, emphasizing the need for accountability and restraint to maintain trust in a competitive political landscape.
Social Media’s Role
Tej Pratap’s 2025 Facebook post, gone viral, shows how social media can escalate controversies, per India Today. His claim of hacking, unproven, highlights the risks of online platforms for politicians, where personal posts can quickly derail public image and party goals.
Impact on RJD’s Image
The expulsion, reported by BusinessToday, risks RJD’s unity ahead of elections. X posts note voter confusion, with the party’s social justice focus overshadowed by family drama. Tejashwi must now strengthen RJD’s image to maintain its influence in Bihar.
