KKN Gurugram Desk | In a recent statement, Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding family politics in Bihar. Tejashwi, son of the legendary political figure Lalu Prasad Yadav, clarified that no new members of the Lalu Yadav family would be entering politics for the time being. His comments came amid growing debates regarding the influence of family dynasties in the state’s politics, which have been ignited by the actions of various political leaders.

Tejashwi’s remarks also targeted Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, accusing them of promoting family politics. His statement has added fuel to the ongoing controversy regarding dynastic politics, which has become a hot topic in the state, especially with the recent political developments in Bihar.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Response on the Political Future of Lalu Family Members

In a recent podcast, Tejashwi Yadav was asked about the possibility of other members of the Lalu Yadav family joining politics. Tejashwi responded unequivocally, stating, “As of now, there is no one.” When further questioned about the potential for his sisters to enter politics, Tejashwi firmly stated, “Currently, there is no such plan. We are behind Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan in terms of family involvement in politics, even though we are much larger in numbers.”

This statement highlights Tejashwi’s position on the matter of political dynasties in Bihar. Despite being a part of one of the most prominent political families in the state, Tejashwi has expressed reluctance to involve other family members in politics at this point, emphasizing that the focus remains on the core leadership within the party.

Lalu Yadav’s Health and Political Activity

Tejashwi Yadav also addressed the health of his father, Lalu Yadav, in his statement. Lalu Yadav, who underwent a kidney transplant and has been advised to follow a strict health regimen, will not be as active in the upcoming election campaigns. Tejashwi mentioned, “Currently, his health does not allow him to be actively involved in election campaigning.” This is a significant acknowledgment of the family’s shift in political dynamics as Lalu Yadav’s health has prevented him from being as physically present in political rallies and campaigns as in the past.

The RJD leader’s comments reflect a realistic approach to the political scenario, considering the health of his father, who was once the face of Bihar’s politics. Tejashwi’s decision to not immediately bring in other family members suggests a focus on consolidating the party’s core leadership and strategic alliances rather than expanding the family’s political reach at this stage.

RJD Family and Their Political Roles

Lalu Yadav’s family members have had significant political roles within the state, creating a strong dynastic political presence in Bihar. Currently, four members of the Lalu Yadav family hold prominent positions across various legislative bodies. Lalu’s wife, Rabri Devi, is a member of the Bihar Legislative Council, and his eldest daughter, Misa Bharti, who was once a Rajya Sabha MP, now represents Pataliputra as a first-time Lok Sabha MP.

Lalu’s eldest son, Tej Pratap Yadav, serves as the MLA from Hassanpur in Samastipur district and has been appointed as a minister twice while maintaining his alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Tejashwi Yadav, the youngest son, represents Raghopur in Vaishali district and has held the position of Deputy Chief Minister twice. His increasing prominence in Bihar’s political scene has led many to believe that he is the unofficial Chief Ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance.

Lalu Family’s Political Struggles and Family Members’ Involvement

The extended Yadav family has had varying degrees of political involvement. Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Saran but lost to Rajiv Pratap Rudy of the BJP by a narrow margin of 13-14 thousand votes. Additionally, Lalu’s son-in-law, Chiranjeev Rao, served as a Congress MLA in Haryana. His father, Captain Ajay Singh Yadav, was a senior Congress leader and minister, while another son-in-law, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, is the grandson of Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, who was once an SP MP, later became an MLA. Another son-in-law, Rahul Yadav, contested two elections in Uttar Pradesh, though he did not succeed. Lalu’s brothers-in-law, Subhash Yadav and Sadhu Yadav, have also had political careers, though both have been sidelined by the family since Tejashwi Yadav’s rise to prominence.

Tejashwi’s Critique of Family Politics in Bihar

Tejashwi’s comments also extended to the ongoing political debates surrounding family politics in the state. With Nitish Kumar’s government providing political positions to members of Chirag Paswan’s family and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s relatives, the discussion about dynastic politics has intensified. Tejashwi accused these leaders of turning their families into political factories, perpetuating dynastic rule rather than focusing on governance.

Tejashwi’s candidness in pointing out the family-driven politics of leaders like Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan is a direct response to the increasing criticism of his family’s role in politics. However, he maintains that his family’s political dynasty is rooted in democratic values and public service, rather than simply being a means to maintain power within the family.

The Role of Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar Politics

As the opposition alliance’s likely Chief Ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav continues to consolidate his political base in Bihar. His leadership is crucial in shaping the future direction of the RJD, especially in light of his father’s health issues and the changing political dynamics within the state.

Tejashwi has increasingly taken the lead in addressing issues such as unemployment, education, and healthcare in Bihar, while also advocating for social justice and economic equality. His commitment to policy-driven politics and addressing real concerns of the electorate positions him as a promising leader for the state’s future.

Tejashwi Yadav’s response to family politics and his refusal to involve additional family members in politics for now signals a shift in the political narrative in Bihar. As Lalu Yadav’s health impacts his involvement in political campaigns, Tejashwi’s leadership will play a more central role in the coming elections. The RJD’s focus will likely remain on expanding its base through effective governance and strategic alliances, rather than further strengthening its dynastic roots.