Mahua Turns into Political Hotspot as Tej Pratap Yadav Battles Former Party in High-Stakes Bihar Election

Patna, Oct 2025: As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections draws near, the Mahua constituency in Vaishali district has emerged as one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the state. Once considered a stronghold of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Mahua is now witnessing an extraordinary political twist, featuring a direct face-off between former allies turned rivals — Tej Pratap Yadav and his onetime party colleague Mukesh Kumar Roshan.

Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, has made a dramatic return to Mahua — but this time, not under the RJD’s banner. Earlier this year, after a series of personal controversies and a widening rift within the Yadav family, Tej Pratap was expelled from both the RJD and his family circle. In response, he floated his own political outfit, the Jan Janatantra Dal (JJD), marking a new chapter in his tumultuous political journey.

His expulsion came after a Facebook post in which Tej Pratap claimed to be in a relationship, a revelation that triggered a public fallout with his family. The controversy rekindled discussions around his long-standing marital dispute with Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. Despite the turbulence, Tej Pratap has maintained that his political career remains independent of family dynamics and is rooted in what he calls “people’s support.”

Tej Pratap first entered the Bihar Assembly from Mahua in 2015, winning as an RJD candidate by defeating Ravindra Rai of the Janata Dal (United). However, in the 2020 elections, the seat was retained for the RJD by Mukesh Kumar Roshan, who defeated JD(U)’s Ashma Praveen with a margin of nearly 8%. Now, in 2025, Roshan once again represents the RJD in Mahua — but faces a formidable challenge from Tej Pratap himself, who is determined to reclaim his political turf.

The RJD’s decision to field a candidate against Tej Pratap has added intrigue to the contest, turning Mahua into a litmus test of loyalties within the Yadav stronghold. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded Sanjay Kumar Singh of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party has nominated Indrajeet Pradhan. The multi-cornered contest promises an intense campaign in Mahua, which falls under the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency — an area expected to see heavy political activity and high voter turnout.

Tej Pratap, who filed his nomination on October 16 alongside the announcement of his party’s first list of 22 candidates, has claimed that his developmental work in Mahua during his earlier tenure will give him an edge. “I have worked for the people of Mahua — from securing district status to improving healthcare and education facilities,” he told reporters after filing his nomination.

He also credited himself for initiating the process of establishing a medical college in Mahua and for creating employment opportunities for local youth. “The people know my work. I am confident they will support me again,” he said, brushing aside speculation about his strained relationship with his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will once again see a contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan includes the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).

While Tejashwi Yadav has been named the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan, Mukesh Sahani, the VIP chief, has been projected as the Deputy Chief Minister candidate. In parallel, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party is contesting on all 243 seats, seeking to position itself as a fresh alternative to both established blocs.

As campaigning intensifies, all eyes are on Mahua, where political sentiment runs deep and personal loyalties are being tested. For Tej Pratap Yadav, this election is more than a battle for one constituency — it is a fight for political relevance and personal redemption. For the RJD, it is a test of whether its legacy can withstand the challenge from within.

The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14.