Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday announced the expulsion of his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family, citing a serious breach of “moral and social values”.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X, Lalu Yadav said that Tej Pratap’s public behaviour and personal conduct were inconsistent with the family’s cultural ethos and principles. “Disregarding moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice,” he wrote, adding that Tej Pratap’s actions were in direct violation of the party’s and family’s values.
“As a result of these circumstances, I am removing him from the party and the family. He will have no role in either from now on. He is expelled from the party for six years,” the RJD supremo declared.
Lalu also stated that while his son is free to make personal choices, those choosing to maintain relations with him would do so at their own discretion. “I have always advocated accountability in public life. The obedient members of our family have followed this path,” he added.
Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s younger son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, responded cautiously to the development. “Political and personal lives are separate. He’s an adult and can make his own decisions. The party president has expressed his views, and we respect that,” he said.
The controversy erupted on Saturday after Tej Pratap alleged that his Facebook account had been hacked, following a post suggesting a long-term relationship with a woman. The post triggered public speculation, especially in light of his past marital dispute with Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. The couple’s divorce case is still pending in court.
The timing of the expulsion is politically significant, as Bihar gears up for crucial Assembly elections later this year.
