Tej Pratap Yadav Kicks Off Bihar Election Battle, Announces Candidacy and First List of 22

Bihar's political arena just got more intriguing as Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, formally announced his decision to contest the upcoming assembly elections from the Mahua constituency. This declaration comes alongside the unveiling of the first list of 22 candidates from his own political outfit, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (Democratic), marking a significant and independent stride in the fiercely contested electoral battle.

The move by Tej Pratap, known for his often unpredictable political manoeuvres, is set to add another layer of complexity to the already vibrant Bihar polls.

Mahua is a familiar battleground for him, having secured a victory from this very seat in the previous 2015 elections. The constituency also holds historical significance for the family, as his mother, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, had previously contested from there.

This announcement further solidifies Tej Pratap’s distinct political path, diverging from his younger brother and RJD's de facto leader, Tejashwi Yadav.

While the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been grappling with internal dynamics, Tej Pratap's decision to field candidates under his own party banner underscores his ambition to carve out an independent political identity. His actions often spark considerable discussion within political circles, with observers keenly watching how this split and his candidacies will impact the larger Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by the RJD.

The list of 22 candidates released by Tej Pratap's RJD (Democratic) is a clear statement of intent, indicating his commitment to run a parallel campaign.

This move, while not entirely unexpected given his past assertiveness and occasional public differences with Tejashwi, forces a re-evaluation of the Yadav family's political unity ahead of the polls. His supporters view this as a bold assertion of his leadership, while critics may see it as a potential fragmentation of the anti-incumbency vote.

As Bihar braces for an intense electoral showdown, Tej Pratap Yadav's entry as a significant independent player, leading his own contingent of candidates, guarantees that the narrative will be anything but dull.

His charismatic yet controversial style, combined with the power of his political lineage, ensures that the Mahua contest and the broader performance of his party will be closely watched, shaping crucial aspects of the state's political future.