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Tej Pratap Yadav factor in Bihar 2025: Could Lalu’s elder son spoil younger brother Tejashwi’s hopes of becoming CM?
Tej Pratap Yadav, expelled from RJD, is making waves with his new party, Janshakti Janata Dal. His emotional campaign and social media presence are drawing significant attention. His actions could impact the Bihar election results by potentially dividing the crucial Yadav vote. This unpredictable factor adds a new dimension to the contest.
Amid the buzz over the Bihar elections, Lalu Prasad Yadav's expelled son Tej Pratap Yadav is attracting almost as much attention as his younger brother and Mahagathbandhan CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav. From viral reels and spiritual videos to fiery public speeches, his solo political journey has grabbed attention far beyond his Mahua constituency. But as the state heads into elections, the real question is: how much of a factor can Tej Pratap be in deciding the final outcome?
Why Tej Pratap's campaign is catching eyeballs this election
Tej Pratap's campaign this time is unlike anything Bihar has seen before. Once a key part of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) family, he is now fighting from the newly formed Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), a party he leads after being expelled from the RJD earlier this year.Unlike large rallies backed by a massive party machinery, Tej Pratap's campaign is more personal and people-focused. His speeches are emotional, often infused with spiritual undertones and personal appeals rather than policy-heavy promises. Videos from his rallies and his candid interactions with reporters have continuously gained traction, making him one of the most talked-about politicians on social media this election season.
His approach is in sharp contrast to his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav's high-tech, helicopter-backed campaign. While Tejashwi focuses on unemployment and governance issues, Tej Pratap's message revolves around loyalty, purity in politics, and a fight for respect.
From RJD to JJD: A solo battle for political survival
Tej Pratap's political journey has taken a dramatic turn since his fallout with his family and the RJD. After his expulsion in May over a controversial social media post, he set out to create a new political space for himself.He first formed Team Tej Pratap, later launching the JJD, and announced candidates in 43 constituencies, mostly in Yadav-dominated areas and RJD's traditional strongholds. His move to field local RJD rebels and former MLAs may hurt the Mahagathbandhan more than the NDA.
In constituencies like Mohiuddinnagar, Bakhtiyarpur, and Sonpur, JJD candidates could potentially eat into the RJD's Yadav vote share, indirectly benefiting the NDA in closely contested seats.
The Yadav vote split: A silent threat to the RJD
What makes Tej Pratap a crucial factor this election is his emotional connect with a section of Yadav voters. Several videos from Bihar have shown that many still view him as Lalu Prasad Yadav's elder son, wronged and sidelined by his own party. In their eyes, his expulsion was too harsh, and that sympathy could translate into votes in certain regions.If even a small percentage of Yadav voters shift toward the JJD, it could alter results in marginal seats. For the ruling NDA, this division could prove advantageous, as it weakens the Opposition's core Muslim-Yadav base.
Social media buzz and public sentiment: The Tej Pratap factor
Unlike his brother's structured campaign, Tej Pratap's political brand thrives online. His videos, ranging from devotional posts to fiery speeches, have made him a constant trend on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.His followers admire his raw energy and see him as someone unafraid to challenge the political establishment, including his own family.
If his image as a proponent of “clean politics” and the “voice of the people” among young voters frustrated with traditional party politics translates into votes on the ground, it could deliver a significant jolt to the Mahagathbandhan. In an election where perception matters as much as votes, this viral popularity could translate into unexpected support.
Family rift turns into a political showdown
For the first time, the Yadav brothers are not campaigning together. Tejashwi, as the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face, is travelling across the state with Congress and Left leaders, promising jobs and development.Meanwhile, Tej Pratap has returned to Mahua, his political karmabhoomi, to reconnect with his roots. He emphasises that his battle is not against his family but for the people who have supported him over the years.
With statements like, “In democracy, the public alone is supreme, not any party or family,” he positions himself as an outsider challenging the political hierarchy built by his own family. He hasn't stopped there, his pointed remarks targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have also captured widespread attention, adding to his growing visibility this election season.
Why Tej Pratap's role could shape Bihar's election outcome
Tej Pratap may not be a front-runner for the chief minister's chair, but his influence in certain pockets makes him a potential spoiler for major players. His emotional connection with voters, combined with social media visibility, can tilt close contests.If JJD candidates manage to secure even 2–3% of votes in RJD strongholds, it could dent Tejashwi's chances in key constituencies. Many believe Tej Pratap's presence has introduced an unpredictable dimension to what was otherwise a largely bipolar contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
With Bihar's result day just around the corner, Tej Pratap Yadav's political gamble, driven by personal emotion, public sympathy, and digital charisma, could very well determine whether this election ends in a landslide or a close finish.
Exit polls hint at NDA lead, but margins remain tight
Voting in Bihar concluded with record turnout across the state. The first phase of polling was held on 6 November, followed by the second phase on Tuesday. Several exit polls have projected the following:People's Pulse Poll Survey: NDA 133–159 seats, Mahagathbandhan 75–101 seats, Jan Suraaj 0–5 seats, Others 2–8 seats. People's Insight Survey: NDA 133–148 seats, Mahagathbandhan 87–102 seats, Jan Suraaj 0–2 seats, Independents 3–6 seats. JVC Survey: NDA 135–150 seats, Mahagathbandhan 88–103 seats, Jan Suraaj 0–1 seats, Others 3–6 seats. DVC Research Poll: NDA 137–152 seats, Mahagathbandhan 83–98 seats, Jan Suraaj 2–4 seats, Others 4–8 seats.
While the NDA appears to hold a lead in most projections, the role of smaller players like JJD and Tej Pratap's influence in Yadav-dominated constituencies could still affect the final outcome.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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