The Bihar elections have exposed a deep rift within the Lalu Prasad family, as brothers Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav campaign against each other for the first time. Tejashwi Yadav, leading the RJD and Mahagathbandhan alliance, aims to defeat the incumbent Nitish Kumar government and become the state's chief minister. Meanwhile, Tej Pratap, expelled from the RJD in May this year, now heads the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) and is contesting from 43 seats, including his original constituency Mahua. The brothers filed their nominations separately in October, with Tejashwi accompanied by family in Raghopur while Tej Pratap arrived alone in Mahua. Their contrasting campaigns highlight not only personal conflict but also different political strategies. Tej Pratap's candidacy could split Yadav votes in key constituencies, potentially benefiting the NDA and hurting the RJD's prospects in closely contested seats across Bihar.
Two Brothers, Two Separate Political Paths
Tejashwi Yadav leads a well-organized, state-wide campaign as the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face. He travels by helicopter, addressing ten to fifteen rallies daily alongside Congress, CPI(ML)L, and VIP leaders. His message focuses on unemployment, governance failures, and welfare promises. In contrast, Tej Pratap runs a modest campaign with his new JJD party, holding two to three smaller rallies daily. His speeches blend populist appeals with spiritual references and personal stories about clean politics. The machinery difference is vast: Tejashwi commands the RJD's extensive network and booth-level workers, while Tej Pratap relies on volunteers and personal contacts for last-minute arrangements in his fledgling party structure.
Family Divide Impacts Election Strategy
On October 16, Tej Pratap filed his nomination in Mahua holding his late grandmother's photograph, declaring "Mahua is my family." A day earlier, Tejashwi filed from Raghopur with parents Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and sister Misa Bharti present. Tejashwi campaigned in Mahua supporting RJD candidate Mukesh Roshan, urging voters to back the party's lantern symbol without naming his brother. Tej Pratap responded by calling voters supreme over party or family, casting himself as the wronged elder brother. He even campaigned in Raghopur for his own nominee. The sibling rivalry threatens to split Yadav votes across multiple constituencies, potentially harming RJD chances and benefiting the NDA in tight races.
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