Independent MLA and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Monday announced a new political front in Bihar, comprising five regional parties, and invited both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which had expelled him in May, and the Congress to join. However, he ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the BJP or JD(U).
The new coalition, unveiled at a press conference at Patna’s Maurya Hotel, includes the Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party (VVIP), Bhojpuria Jan Morcha (BJM), Pragatisheel Janata Party (PJP), Wajib Adhikar Party (WAP), and the Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party. Senior leaders from each party, including national presidents and general secretaries, were present at the event and expressed support for the alliance.
Yadav, the Hasanpur MLA, said the front aims to bring about “social justice, social rights, and comprehensive change” in Bihar. “If the people choose to elect us, we promise to work towards the complete development of Bihar,” he posted on X, adding that the coalition would follow the ideals of Ram Manohar Lohia, Karpoori Thakur, and Jayaprakash Narayan.
At the press conference, he extended an open invitation to his former party and the Congress. “Others… RJD and Congress are welcome to join us if they wish. Everyone coming together would be a positive step,” he said. But he was categorical in rejecting any tie-up with the BJP or JD(U). “I have ideological differences with them. I cannot deviate from my principles. Social justice is my path, and I understand how it must be pursued,” he said.
As the former Mahua MLA, Yadav also confirmed that he would contest the upcoming Assembly election as an Independent candidate from the constituency, which he had earlier represented in 2015. (Express Photo)
As the former Mahua MLA, Yadav also confirmed that he would contest the upcoming Assembly election as an Independent candidate from the constituency, which he had earlier represented in 2015. “I have sounded the bugle for Mahua. The people of Mahua chose me once, and I have served them by bringing hospitals, ambulances, and even securing approval for a medical college,” he said.
Referring to Mahua’s current RJD MLA Mukesh Raushan, Yadav said, “I had entrusted Mahua to Mukesh ji as a matter of political compulsion… But now, crying won’t bring development. I brought a medical college and an engineering college too. The people of Bihar have seen who worked during his tenure and as Health Minister.”
Yadav, however, denied that his campaign was aimed at opposing Tejashwi Yadav, his younger brother and RJD leader. When asked whether he would still contest if Tejashwi entered the fray from Mahua, he said with a smile, “Tejashwi will never contest from Mahua.”
On reports that he was trying to sabotage Tejashwi’s CM bid, he said, “Tejashwi is not so greedy as to be desperate for the CM’s chair. He is just doing his job,” adding that he continued to send blessings to his brother despite the recent silence between them.
Yadav also dismissed speculation that he harboured ambitions of becoming Chief Minister. “I am not attached to any chair or position… I don’t operate out of greed… I am not Chhipku Ram,” he said. On caste politics, he added, “There should be a religion of humanity… I take all people along.”
Former RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav during a press conference after announcement of an alliance (Express Photo)
Asked whether he intended to form a new party of his own, he replied, “The public is the biggest party. People are with me. Wherever I go, there are crowds. There’s no bigger party than the public.”
Yadav also expressed support for Pradeep Nishad’s VVIP, describing it as the “original” party and distinguishing it from the “impostor” Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani, a partner in the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan.
His invitation to the RJD comes despite ongoing tensions with the party leadership. Just last week, Yadav had criticised the RJD for not taking action against senior MLA Bhai Virendra, who was accused of threatening a panchayat secretary. “Respect for the Constitution should be reflected not just in speeches, but in actual behaviour,” he had posted on social media.
His expulsion from the RJD — and, as he put it, from his “family” — followed a now-deleted Facebook post in May, in which he claimed to have been in a 12-year relationship with a woman. The party cited “irresponsible behaviour” and deviation from its core values. Yadav later denied publishing the post, saying his social media accounts had been hacked.
With Assembly elections due in Bihar in 2025, Tej Pratap Yadav’s political realignment could add a fresh layer to the state’s shifting alliances.
