Before the Bihar 2025 elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) a renowned regional party in Bihar is in trouble. Leader Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, found himself in between a massive controversy involving a woman named Anushka Yadav. The incident didn’t just make headlines but troubled India’s most influential political families.
Who is Anushka Yadav?
Anushka Yadav, an otherwise unknown name in public discourse, was t into the national spotlight after a viral Facebook post from Tej Pratap’s verified account featured a photo with her and a caption claiming they had been in a relationship for 12 years.
Tej Pratap’s Reaction: ‘My Account Was Hacked’
Soon after the photo went viral, Tej Pratap Yadav claimed that his Facebook account was hacked, and the viral post was not made by him. He further stated that the photo with Anushka was AI-generated.
However, the damage was already done. The controversy quickly gained momentum across social media and television debates. Many within the RJD felt that Tej Pratap was deliberately tarnishing the party’s image at a crucial time.
The Shadow of Aishwarya Rai: A Troubled Marriage
This isn’t the first time Tej Pratap has made headlines for personal issues. His marriage to Aishwarya Rai, the daughter of senior RJD leader Chandrika Rai, ended in a bitter and highly publicized divorce battle.
- Tej Pratap had filed for divorce within six months of marriage in 2018.
- Aishwarya alleged that he was a drug addict, mentally unstable, and would dress as deities under intoxication.
- The Family Court in Patna acknowledged domestic abuse allegations and ordered Tej Pratap to provide separate living accommodations and basic facilities like electricity and water to Aishwarya.
- This background of erratic behavior and troubled personal life made the Anushka Yadav controversy even more sensational.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Reaction: Expulsion and Silence
Lalu Prasad Yadav, the patriarch of the RJD and one of India’s most seasoned politicians, responded with a heavy heart but firm hand. His actions were swift and dramatic:
Expulsion from Party and Family
Tej Pratap Yadav was officially removed from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Sources within the family revealed that Lalu also disowned Tej from the family for bringing shame and controversy during a sensitive election period.
This move signaled a clear political strategy to preserve the party’s image and reaffirm Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership as Lalu’s true political heir.
No Public Defense
Lalu did not publicly defend his son. He chose complete silence on Anushka Yadav, refusing to engage in any speculation or personal details.
NDA and Public Reactions
The ruling NDA alliance in Bihar quickly capitalized on the controversy:
NDA leaders criticized Lalu for “failing as a father and political mentor“.
They claimed the expulsion showed the deep fragmentation within the Yadav family and RJD leadership.
Public reactions have been mixed—while some see Tej Pratap as a victim of internal politics, others view him as a disruptive and unstable figure unfit for political office.
Where is Tej Pratap Now?
As of now, Tej Pratap Yadav has gone underground:
His social media accounts are inactive. He is absent from public events and party activities. Multiple reports suggest he is in mental distress, possibly under treatment or in isolation. There is widespread speculation, but no confirmed information about his exact whereabouts.
Conclusion
The saga of Tej Pratap Yadav and Anushka Yadav is more than a viral controversy—it’s a story of personal loss, political betrayal, and public drama. It exposes the fragile balance between personal emotions and political responsibilities in the life of a dynast.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Tej Pratap Yadav’s political journey stands at a dangerous crossroad, and the road ahead remains uncertain.