High drama unfolded during an election rally in Bihar’s Mahnar assembly constituency as Tej Pratap Yadav, chief of Jan Shakti Janata Dal (JJD) and elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, was met with strong resistance and even stone pelting by supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The incident points to deepening factionalism ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, which have already seen heightened campaign activity and tension across the state.
Tej Pratap had arrived at Mahnar’s Hiranand High School to appeal to voters on behalf of JJD candidate Jai Singh Rathore. Despite reaching the venue by helicopter, delays forced him to travel onward by road. As he concluded his speech and prepared to depart for Mahua, a group of RJD supporters surrounded his convoy, loudly chanting slogans in favor of Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD’s symbol, the lantern. Tensions escalated as stones were hurled at Tej Pratap’s convoy, forcing him and his supporters to retreat.
Reacting to the incident, candidate Jai Singh Rathore accused local RJD supporters, under candidate Ravindra Singh, of orchestrating the attack. Rathore has alleged that political rivalry, fueled by money and attempts to influence voters through distribution of cash and liquor, is driving such unrest. “This is an attempt to reestablish jungle raj. The public understands everything now, and we demand strict security,” he stated.
Local police are investigating the reported violence, which has increased anxiety among political leaders and voters. No official statement has yet been issued by the RJD.
The episode illustrates growing internal strife within the Lalu Prasad Yadav family, as Tej Pratap, now campaigning independently of his brother Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, struggles to carve out space in an already turbulent political landscape. As election dates approach, further conflict and protests may be inevitable.