RJD on verge of split? Tej Pratap Yadav to run against father-in-law

Patna: RJD is on the verge of the split as party chief Lalu Yadav’s sons Tej Pratap and Tejashwi seem divided over several issues including ticket distribution.

On Monday Tej Pratap Yadav created a flutter by announcing to contest as independent from Saran seat. Sources close to Lalu family said he has been upset with his younger brother for fielding his estranged father-in-law Chandrika Rai from Saran.

RJD insiders also said that Tej Pratap has formed a political front “Lalu-Rabri Morcha” to support independent candidates on 20 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.

“I request my mother Rabri Devi to contest from Saran seat and if she doesn’t I am going to contest as an independent against RJD candidate. Saran has been my father’s traditional constituency and I cannot allow any outsider to contest from that seat”, Tej Pratap said.

Lalu Yadav’s elder son also announced that he would be fielding candidates from Bettiah, Sheohar, Jehanabad, and Hajipur under the banner of Lalu-Rabri front. He, however, clarified that his political front will be part of RJD.

The sudden announcement comes as a major embarrassment for the party ahead of Lok Sabha elections. As per seat sharing agreement, RJD has already announced candidates for Jehanabad and Hajipur seats. Bettiah seat has also been given to RLSP.