Tej Pratap Yadav Signals Possible NDA Alignment, Stirring Bihar's Political Landscape
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Shocking Twist in Bihar Politics: Tej Pratap Yadav Set to Support the NDA, Offers Big Deal to Sister Rohini Acharya
DNA India – 28 September 2024
The political landscape of Bihar has taken an unexpected turn as one of its most influential young leaders, Tej Pratap Yadav, signals a potential alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The move, if confirmed, could reshape the balance of power in the state and have far‑reaching implications for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The story, which has already captured the imagination of pundits and voters alike, is further complicated by Tej Pratap’s “big offer” to his sister, Rohini Acharya—a move that appears designed to cement the Yadav family’s foothold in the emerging political calculus.
Who is Tej Pratap Yadav?
Born in 1983, Tej Pratap Yadav is the son of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Minister of State for Home, Sarojini Yadav. After a brief stint in the medical field, the Yadav turned to politics, quickly establishing himself as the charismatic and media‑savvy face of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He has been a key player in securing the party’s vote bank of Muslims and Yadavs, and his social‑media outreach has earned him a reputation as the “youth icon” of Bihar.
While his father remains a powerful yet somewhat sidelined figure, Tej Pratap has steadily carved out his own political identity. He served as the Minister of Tourism and Sports in the early 2010s and has been a regular fixture in the RJD’s campaign rallies. His recent speeches—particularly his emphasis on “protecting the poor and the downtrodden”—have helped him maintain a loyal support base among Bihar’s lower‑caste communities.
The NDA’s Unexpected Pitch
In the weeks leading up to the national elections, the NDA’s core partners—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U))—have been actively courting regional leaders who could bring additional vote shares to the alliance. Bihar, with its complex caste equations and a history of coalition politics, has long been a target for such strategic moves.
Tej Pratap’s decision to consider a partnership with the NDA is described as a “shocking twist” in recent political discourse. According to sources close to the RJD, the NDA approached Tej Pratap with a proposal that extends beyond a mere electoral pact: it includes a promise of ministerial portfolios in a hypothetical NDA‑led government, both at the state and central levels. The proposal also outlines a “provisional support” for the NDA on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections, a tactic that could potentially swing a sizeable segment of the electorate in favor of the alliance.
The offer is not merely an empty gesture. Tej Pratap’s influence over the Yadav and Muslim vote banks, combined with his recent surge in popularity, makes him a highly coveted ally for the NDA. Analysts predict that his endorsement could add at least 2–3 million votes to the BJP‑led coalition’s tally in Bihar.
The “Big Offer” to Rohini Acharya
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama, Tej Pratap is reportedly extending a “big offer” to his sister, Rohini Acharya. While the Yadav family has long maintained a low public profile on this front, Rohini has recently emerged as a potential political figure—primarily through her involvement in social work and community outreach.
Sources say the offer involves a ministerial berth, possibly in a future NDA‑led cabinet, or a parliamentary nomination. Whether the offer is aimed at the Bihar Legislative Assembly or the Lok Sabha remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that Tej Pratap intends to place Rohini Acharya at the centre of the emerging alliance, thereby ensuring that the Yadav family’s political capital remains firmly within the NDA’s orbit.
If the offer materializes, it would represent a bold statement from Tej Pratap: he is not only willing to shift his party allegiance but also prepared to place his own family members in high‑profile political positions—an act that could be seen as a double‑edged sword. On the one hand, it signals an unprecedented level of personal ambition; on the other, it could risk alienating core RJD supporters who have historically viewed the Yadavs as guardians of a distinct political ideology.
Implications for the RJD and Bihar’s Political Future
The RJD’s future has already been a subject of speculation, especially following the party’s decision to step back from its alliance with the BJP after the 2019 elections. Tej Pratap’s pivot could either be a strategic move to reclaim the party’s political relevance or a sign that the RJD is on the brink of a split. The party’s senior leaders have been split over whether to stay in the RJD fold or follow Tej Pratap into the NDA camp.
If Tej Pratap does indeed switch allegiance, the RJD could face a massive drain of its core support base. At the same time, the party’s ideological identity—rooted in social justice and anti‑caste discrimination—might be diluted. In contrast, an alliance with the NDA could afford the Yadav family greater leverage over national policy, especially regarding rural development and welfare schemes.
Beyond the RJD, the BJP’s willingness to court Tej Pratap signals an aggressive stance toward expanding its influence in regions traditionally dominated by other parties. By offering ministerial positions and parliamentary nominations, the BJP is essentially buying political capital in a state that remains a crucial battleground for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks will be decisive. Tej Pratap Yadav’s official announcement, if it comes, will likely be followed by a flurry of political manoeuvres—both from the NDA and from opposition parties who may attempt to counteract this shift. As the electoral calendar draws near, Bihar’s voters will have to decide whether to accept this new political alignment or remain loyal to the RJD’s traditional platform.
In sum, the potential partnership between Tej Pratap Yadav and the NDA, coupled with the significant offer extended to his sister Rohini Acharya, represents a watershed moment in Bihar politics. Whether it will herald a new era of political consolidation or spark a deeper fissure within the region remains to be seen. The only certainty is that the political narrative in Bihar is far from settled—and the next chapter promises to be as dramatic as it is consequential.
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[ https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-shocking-twist-in-bihar-politics-tej-pratap-yadav-set-to-support-to-nda-gives-big-offer-to-sister-rohini-acharya-to-3189056 ]