PATNA: Tej Pratap Yadav, a former Bihar minister expelled recently from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, urged his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav to show him the respect akin to that received by Lord Rama from Laxman. Tej Pratap, who has launched his own party, the Jan Shakti Janata Dal, responded to Tejashwi’s allegations that during their time in the RJD, he supported close aides as rebel candidates.
Tej Pratap stated, “As the younger brother, he should act with a sense of propriety (maryada), just like Laxman did for Ram. He is being misled by individuals comparable to Jaichand.” This comment reflects ongoing tensions within the family, particularly regarding Tej Pratap’s conflicts with those close to Tejashwi, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, whom he has likened to Jaichand—an historical figure associated with betrayal.
He emphasized his intention to contest in the upcoming assembly elections from Mahua, adjacent to Tejashwi’s Raghopur constituency, where he first ran in the 2015 assembly polls.
On the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Tej Pratap remarked, “The RSS had played no role in the Independence movement. We are followers of Mahatma Gandhi.” He also addressed the “I love Muhammad” controversy, stating, “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.”
