Tej Pratap Yadav to contest Bihar polls as independent after being expelled from RJD

Confirming what he had hinted earlier this week, Tej Pratap said at a press conference in Patna, “I am going to contest from Mahua as an independent candidate. My team and I are receiving tremendous support from the people, especially the youth.”

Tej Pratap had earlier told India Today TV that if denied a party ticket, he would still contest from Mahua—his “karmabhoomi”—even if it meant running as an independent.

“If the party gives me a ticket, I will fight for the RJD. If not, I will contest as an independent, but only from Mahua,” he had said.

Mahua is the seat from which Tej Pratap was elected in 2015, before serving as a minister in Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet until 2017.

The constituency is currently represented by RJD's Mukesh Kumar Roshan.

Saturday’s press conference also saw Tej Pratap make a visible departure from RJD symbols—donning a yellow cap in place of his usual green one, while his supporters wore yellow gamchhas.

Explaining the shift, he said, “Yellow is the colour of Lord Krishna. Our flag has both yellow and green—we embrace both.”

Days earlier, Tej Pratap had held a rally under a new banner, “Team Tej Pratap Yadav,” with supporters waving a green-and-white flag bearing the name.

The move had sparked speculation about him forming a new outfit.

Dismissing rumours of a fallout with his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, he said, “Even if Tejashwi wants to join, he is welcome. My doors are open. But I won’t say more. Some Jaichand must have told you to ask that.”

The Bihar Assembly election is expected to be held in October–November.

The main contest is likely between the NDA—comprising the JD(U), BJP and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas)—and the Mahagathbandhan of the RJD, Congress and Left parties.