In a political climate as volatile as Bihar’s, personal narratives often intertwine with public personas. Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, recently found himself in the eye of a media storm following a viral social media post professing a long-standing relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. The post, which briefly appeared on his verified Facebook page, was later disowned by Yadav, who claimed his account had been hacked. This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of his ongoing divorce battle, an upcoming election, and a strategic shift in his political ambitions.
A Viral Confession and a Swift Denial
On Saturday, a post from Tej Pratap Yadav’s official Facebook page appeared to disclose a deeply personal revelation: a 12-year-long relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. The post featured a photograph of the two and a message written in emotional prose, in which Yadav stated his desire to finally share his truth with the public.
The confession generated significant traction online, drawing mixed reactions—while many applauded the apparent honesty, others speculated whether the timing of the disclosure had political undertones. Questions quickly surfaced regarding the future of this alleged relationship, with many wondering whether it would culminate in marriage.
However, within hours, Yadav issued a clarification in Hindi, disavowing the post entirely. He asserted that his social media platforms had been compromised and that doctored images were being circulated with the intent to malign his reputation and that of his family. "I urge my followers to stay vigilant and not fall for any such rumours," the statement read.
Past Marital Discord Still Haunts
Yadav's private life has frequently drawn public scrutiny. His marriage to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai, unraveled shortly after their 2018 wedding. Aishwarya accused Yadav and his family of mental harassment and physical expulsion from their home. Her father, Chandrika Roy—a former minister—resigned from the RJD and vowed to wage both a legal and political battle on her behalf.
The divorce proceedings remain unresolved in court, marred by a series of serious allegations from both parties. Tej Pratap has accused Aishwarya of demanding exorbitant alimony, while she has accused him of drug abuse and eccentric behavior, including cross-dressing in private. The public nature of these claims continues to shadow his political image.
Spiritual Retreats and Strategic Moves
Amid the current controversy, Tej Pratap has taken to social media in a different capacity—this time to share his spiritual pursuits. A recent Instagram video showed him meditating by the seaside in the Maldives, a possible attempt to cultivate an image of tranquility and philosophical depth amidst political and personal turbulence.
But despite the momentary retreat, political responsibilities await. As the Bihar Assembly Elections draw near, Yadav has confirmed his intention to contest from the Mahua seat in Vaishali district. Notably, Mahua is a constituency he previously represented in 2015. By opting to leave the Hasanpur seat in Samastipur, Yadav appears to be returning to familiar political terrain in hopes of a strategic resurgence.
The Broader Implications for the RJD
The combination of personal controversies and shifting political tactics may have broader implications for the Rashtriya Janata Dal as it attempts to consolidate its voter base ahead of elections. While the party has traditionally relied on the charisma and legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav, the newer generation, including Tej Pratap and his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, must contend with the dual pressures of maintaining public trust and navigating internal family dynamics.
Tej Pratap’s recent media visibility—both voluntary and involuntary—could either galvanize sympathy or reinforce skepticism among voters. Whether the episode surrounding the alleged Facebook hack will fade or fester may depend on how swiftly the RJD leadership distances itself or rallies behind him.
Conclusion
Tej Pratap Yadav’s narrative in 2025 is emblematic of a broader shift in Indian politics, where digital platforms, personal life disclosures, and electoral strategy collide in unpredictable ways. As he returns to Mahua with renewed ambitions and under increased public scrutiny, the coming months will determine whether he can successfully reshape his image and reassert his political relevance—or whether personal distractions will once again derail his campaign.
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