Tejashwi breaks silence on Tej Pratap’s expulsion: ‘Can’t tolerate such things’

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday backed his father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s decision to expel Tej Pratap Yadav from both the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the family, saying the party cannot tolerate such irresponsible behaviour. The expulsion came after Tej Pratap posted a controversial image on social media with a woman he referred to as his long-time partner — a post that was later deleted with claims of hacking.

Tejashwi clarified that while Tej Pratap, as an adult, is free to make personal decisions, political life demands discipline and accountability. “We cannot tolerate such things. He is my elder brother, but political and personal life are different,” he said. He added that he came to know about the controversy through media reports and has not discussed it directly with Tej Pratap.

Lalu Prasad Yadav, who heads the party, made his stance clear in a strongly-worded statement on social media. He said his eldest son’s actions did not align with the values and traditions of their family and party. He emphasized that personal choices affecting public image can weaken the collective fight for social justice.

Lalu further stated that Tej Pratap would have no role in either the party or the family for the next six years. He also urged people associated with him to take their own stand. “I have always advocated public shame in public life. Obedient members of the family have followed this path,” he wrote.

The expulsion has added another public chapter to the Yadav family’s political tensions, though Tejashwi maintained a calm, pragmatic tone, signalling his focus remains on party discipline and public service over personal matters.