The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar’s principal opposition party, has plunged into unprecedented turmoil just months ahead of the crucial 2025 Assembly elections. On May 25, party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav took the extraordinary step of expelling his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family. This dramatic move has sent shockwaves through Bihar’s political landscape and exposed deep fissures within the RJD’s first family.

Lalu’s Decision: A Public Break With Tej Pratap

Lalu Prasad Yadav, revered as the architect of social justice politics in Bihar, announced his decision in a public statement, citing Tej Pratap’s “serious breach of moral and social values.” Lalu accused his son of behavior and public conduct that were inconsistent with the family’s traditions and the party’s ethos. He stated that ignoring ethical values in personal life undermines the collective struggle for social justice—a core pillar of the RJD’s identity.

In a post on social media, Lalu declared, “The activities, public behaviour, and irresponsible conduct of my eldest son are not in line with our family’s values and cultural ethos. Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice.” He added that Tej Pratap would have no role of any kind in the party or family for the next six years.

The Fallout: RJD’s Precarious Position

This expulsion comes at a time when the RJD is already facing significant challenges. The party, led in the Assembly by Lalu’s younger son Tejashwi Yadav, is grappling with organizational defections, shifting caste dynamics, and the rise of new political forces in Bihar. The generational transition from Lalu to Tejashwi has not been seamless, and public rifts within the Yadav family have repeatedly spilled into the open.

Tej Pratap, known for his unpredictable statements and controversial actions, has long been a source of internal friction. His expulsion is both a disciplinary measure and a signal to party cadres that the RJD will not tolerate actions that threaten its unity or reputation. However, the move also risks alienating a section of the party’s traditional support base, particularly among Yadavs who have viewed the family as a symbol of collective identity.

Tejashwi’s Challenge: Holding the Party Together

With Tej Pratap out, Tejashwi Yadav faces the daunting task of consolidating the party ahead of the elections. He has been working to expand the RJD’s appeal beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) base, reaching out to Kurmi-Kushwaha and other OBC groups, and presenting himself as a champion of dignity, development, and social justice. Tejashwi’s aggressive opposition to the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government and his focus on issues like jobs, law and order, and caste equity have kept the RJD in the headlines.

Yet, the party’s internal divisions and the spectacle of a family feud threaten to undermine this strategy. Defections and the emergence of new political outfits, such as Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, have further complicated the RJD’s electoral calculus. The party’s organizational resilience is being tested as it tries to retain its core vote bank while adapting to Bihar’s rapidly evolving political landscape.

The Broader Political Context

The timing of Lalu’s decision is significant. Bihar is set for a high-stakes Assembly election in late 2025, with the BJP-led NDA aiming to consolidate its dominance and the RJD-led INDIA bloc seeking to regain lost ground. The BJP has steadily increased its influence within the NDA, while Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has seen its stature diminish due to repeated political realignments.

The RJD’s alliance with the Congress and other opposition parties under the INDIA banner is designed to consolidate OBC, Dalit, and minority votes. However, the party faces headwinds from defections, intra-caste rivalries, and the BJP’s aggressive outreach to non-Yadav OBCs. The expulsion of Tej Pratap, while intended to project discipline, could be exploited by rivals to question the RJD’s stability and unity.

Caste and Community Calculus

Tejashwi Yadav’s recent rallies and outreach efforts have focused on mobilizing Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and non-dominant OBCs, promising jobs, safety, and social justice. The RJD is attempting to move beyond its legacy of M-Y politics by courting new caste groups and adapting its message to the aspirations of a younger, more diverse electorate.

However, the family feud and organizational churn risk diluting this message. The RJD’s challenge is to present a united front, maintain its traditional base, and attract new voters in a state where small shifts in voter preference can decide the outcome.

The Road Ahead

As Bihar gears up for a closely contested election, the RJD’s internal turmoil has added a new layer of uncertainty. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s expulsion of Tej Pratap is a gamble aimed at asserting control and demonstrating zero tolerance for indiscipline. Whether this move will strengthen the party’s position or deepen its divisions remains to be seen.

Tejashwi Yadav, as the face of the party, must now navigate not only the external challenge posed by the NDA but also the internal fissures that threaten to derail the RJD’s campaign. The coming months will test his leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to unite a party in flux.

Summary

The RJD is in the throes of a major crisis as Lalu Prasad Yadav expels his elder son Tej Pratap from both the party and family, citing a breach of moral and social values. This dramatic development exposes deep divisions within Bihar’s most prominent political family and raises questions about the RJD’s unity and electoral prospects. With Assembly elections looming, Tejashwi Yadav faces the challenge of consolidating the party, expanding its appeal, and countering both internal dissent and external competition. The RJD’s future will hinge on its ability to adapt, unite, and present a credible alternative to Bihar’s voters in a rapidly changing political landscape.