Discussion | Lalu expels Tej Pratap: Family feud or pre-poll strategy?

In this episode of Capital Beat, host Neelu Vyas is joined by senior journalists Ashok Mishra and Lok Kumar Mishra, and independent media analyst Siddharth Sharma to dissect the political and personal storm brewing in Bihar. The panel discusses RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's dramatic decision to expel his son, Hasanpur MLA Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family for six years. The trigger? A viral video of Tej Pratap with a woman named Anushka Yadav, claimed to be his second wife. Is this a moral stand or a calculated political manoeuvre?

Lalu’s tough stand

On Sunday (May 25), Lalu shocked Bihar's political circles by announcing Tej Pratap’s expulsion following a viral video showing him with a woman he allegedly remarried. In a strongly worded X (formerly Twitter) post, Lalu cited a breach of "moral values and personal conduct" that undermined the party’s social mission. “The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behavior of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions,” he wrote.

Also read: Two decades apart, another family drama jolts Lalu clan ahead of crucial Bihar polls

Lalu's action came after Tej Pratap posted and later deleted pictures of his marriage, claiming a 12-year-long relationship. He later alleged his Facebook account was hacked but filed no police complaint, which many, including Lalu, saw as a red flag.

Serial controversy and family fallout

Ashok provided context on Tej Pratap’s erratic past, recalling his dramatic shifts in behaviour, religious dress-ups, and a failed marriage with Aishwarya Rai, daughter of Chandrika Rai. "There are two or three women involved in his recent narrative — Anushka, with whom he's been associated for years, and another named Nishu who allegedly leaked the images," said Ashok.

Also read: RJD chief Lalu Prasad expels son Tej Pratap from party for 6 years

The panel agreed that while Tej Pratap’s behaviour has long been controversial, this expulsion was significant and publicly humiliating. Mishra stressed the move wasn't a gimmick by the RJD but rather “damage control” ahead of a crucial state election, which Tejashwi Yadav is desperate to win.

Strategy or sacrifice?

Ashok described the incident as having three dimensions: legal, fundamental, and political. Legally, Ashok clarified that “a father in India cannot disown a son”, making Lalu’s move symbolic. Morally and politically, however, Ashok saw it as strategic. “This might well be Lalu Yadav’s preemptive strike on the BJP’s dynastic politics narrative,” he said, pointing out how the BJP lacks major attack points since the RJD is not currently in power.

RJD, which consistently polls over 23 per cent vote share in Bihar, is likely to face the BJP’s dynasty jibes. By taking action against his own son, Lalu may be attempting to blunt that attack. “It sends a message that RJD is not above punishing its own,” Ashok added.

Damage assessment and future steps

Lok Kumar, however, rejected the conspiracy angle, instead calling it “moral grandstanding.” He said Lalu’s decision was a “political sanction” lacking legal force. “If morality was Lalu’s benchmark, he could have denied tickets to several tainted leaders earlier,” he quipped.

Lok Kumar suggested that the move may also relate to Tej Pratap’s ongoing divorce and alimony battle with Aishwarya Rai, where property claims could complicate matters. He noted, “Tej Pratap might now contest as an independent from Mahua while still unofficially backed by RJD’s ecosystem.”

Ashok agreed, stating that the expulsion wouldn’t impact RJD’s vote bank and that Tej Pratap “has never been taken seriously by party supporters”.

Will he join BJP or bounce back?

When asked whether Tej Pratap might switch to the BJP, both Mishras dismissed the idea. Lok Kumar noted, “Tej Pratap is not a vote-catcher; for BJP, he would be a liability.” Instead, they forecast a possible return through an independent contest backed subtly by RJD.

Ashok predicted, “It’s a political drama that will die down. Maybe he’ll apologise and be welcomed back post-election. That suits both Tej Pratap and RJD.”

Cultural symbolism and gender optics

Ashok concluded with a reflection on the symbolic politics of Bihar, saying that BJP may exploit cultural symbols like sindoor in their campaign, but RJD would likely counter it with videos exposing BJP leaders’ misconduct. “This move by Lalu, regardless of how it began, helps RJD control the narrative,” he said.

As Bihar gears up for elections, the Tej Pratap episode is shaping into a Bollywood-style political drama, complete with rebellion, familial strife, and potential redemption — all under the spotlight of electoral strategy.

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