Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, received public support on Monday from Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh, even after his expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal over an alleged extramarital relationship. Singh, who is also a former Bihar minister, defended Tej Pratap by invoking Hindu traditions and social examples to argue that marrying multiple times is not a crime.

The controversy erupted last week after a Facebook post from Tej Pratap’s official account showed him with a woman, claiming a 12-year relationship. While Tej Pratap later said his account was hacked, the damage was already done. Lalu Prasad disowned his son and expelled him from the party for six years citing irresponsible behaviour that violates family values.

Sudhakar Singh’s defence of Tej Pratap

Speaking to the media, Sudhakar Singh defended Tej Pratap, stating that marriage is a personal matter and that multiple marriages are historically accepted in Hindu culture. He referred to the teachings of Ram Manohar Lohia, who had stated in his book on Sapta Kranti that all relationships between a man and a woman are valid except those based on rape or deceit.

Singh said he did not see anything immoral in Tej Pratap’s alleged second marriage and emphasised that such practices are still prevalent in Indian society.

He further cited examples from Indian politics, particularly the late Ram Vilas Paswan, who had married Reena Sharma in 1983. His son Chirag Paswan, now a Union Minister, was born from this second marriage. Singh reminded everyone that Paswan had divorced his first wife in 1981, and that the matter only became public in 2014 when political opponents raised objections.

Sudhakar Singh urged Lalu Prasad Yadav to accept his son Tej Pratap’s choices and not treat this as a moral or social issue, adding that such instances are not rare in Indian society.

Tej Pratap’s troubled marriage and family feud

Tej Pratap Yadav married Aishwarya Rai in 2018. She is the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai. The marriage, however, ended within a year, and the couple filed for divorce. The divorce proceedings are currently pending in a Patna family court.

Aishwarya Rai has made serious allegations, claiming that Lalu Prasad knew about Tej Pratap’s alleged affairs but still pushed for the marriage to suit political interests. She dismissed Tej Pratap’s recent expulsion as election-time drama ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled later this year.

Social media outbursts and mythological references

Tej Pratap, known for his dramatic statements and religious metaphors, took to social media platform X on Sunday. In one post, he called himself Krishna to Tejashwi’s Arjuna, suggesting that though people might attempt to isolate him, they could not take away his significance and role in the family and party.

His post read that those dreaming of separating him from his Arjuna would fail, and that they could take Krishna’s army but not Krishna himself. This was widely seen as a message to those within and outside the party who may have played a role in his ouster.

He also referred to Jaichand-like traitors in the party, promising to expose every conspiracy being plotted against him.

In another emotional post, Tej Pratap expressed his unconditional love for his parents, writing that his entire world revolves around them, and that any command from them was paramount. He urged for their trust and affection, saying that is all he seeks.

Internal party dynamics

RJD insiders say Tej Pratap has been at odds with his family ever since his younger brother Tejashwi Prasad Yadav rose to prominence in the party. Many believe that this sibling rivalry played a role in the growing distance between Tej Pratap and the RJD leadership, ultimately culminating in his expulsion.

Tej Pratap has often made public statements that have embarrassed the party, and his erratic behaviour has drawn criticism even from within his own camp. However, Singh’s backing has now reignited debates over personal freedom, cultural norms, and political opportunism in Bihar.

Societal norms vs political morality

Sudhakar Singh’s comments have triggered wider conversations about how society and politics treat personal relationships, especially those involving public figures. His assertion that multiple marriages have a precedent in Hindu society has found some support but also raised eyebrows in progressive circles.

While legally, polygamy is not permitted under the Hindu Marriage Act, what Singh points to are historic and anecdotal exceptions, not codified norms. His claim does highlight the selective morality often applied in Indian politics, where leaders' private lives are scrutinised more than their public roles.

Conclusion

As Tej Pratap Yadav continues to battle allegations, family rifts, and political isolation, the support from RJD MP Sudhakar Singh may offer him temporary relief. However, with Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, the RJD’s strategy appears to be one of damage control, attempting to consolidate its image without internal distractions.

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