Tej Pratap Yadav Refuses RJD Return, Claims "Death Before Dishonor" in Bihar Election Battle

The former RJD leader, however, seemed to have retained his distaste for the ruling NDA.

Hajipur:

Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Friday asserted that he will "choose death over returning to the RJD", from which he was expelled by his father Lalu Prasad a few months ago.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Yadav, who has since floated Janshakti Janta Dal, and is contesting assembly poll from Mahua assembly constituency, also made light of his younger brother Tejashwi being named INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate, emphasizing that "one needs the people's blessings to occupy the seat of power".

"I would choose death over returning to that party. I am not hungry for power. Principles and self-respect are supreme for me," he stated when asked if he could go back to RJD.

"The biggest priority for me is to work for the people. I sincerely do that and people love and trust me," he affirmed.

Yadav, who aims to reclaim Mahua, the constituency where he made his electoral debut in 2015, said, "I have been connected to this constituency since long before I entered politics."

"People tell me they were happy having me as their MLA, responsive to their needs. They say they have nobody to turn to for help now," claimed Yadav, indicating that he did not consider sitting RJD legislator Mukesh Raushan, a confidant of his younger brother, as a significant challenge.

The elder son of Prasad and Rabri Devi, both former chief ministers, Yadav had filed his nomination papers carrying late grandmother Marichiya Devi's photograph.

When reminded of this gesture, he said, "Of course, she was the one whose blessings helped my father rise in politics."

Asked whether he contacted his parents to seek their blessings too, Yadav said, "We have not spoken for some time. But I know their blessings are with me."

Regarding Tejashwi, whom he used to call Arjuna, likening himself to Lord Krishna, he said, "Of course, as a younger brother he used to have my blessings. I could not have unleashed the Sudarshan Chakra on him."

Tej Pratap Yadav, who had consistently been overshadowed in public life by his politically astute younger brother, seemed unimpressed with Tejashwi being named the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate.

"It is politicians' tendency to make various kinds of announcements. But power is only enjoyed by one who receives the people's blessings," said Yadav.

The former RJD leader, however, seemed to have maintained his aversion to the ruling NDA.

"People are not going to be deceived by the nefarious designs of the BJP-RSS combine anymore," he stated.

When asked how this election differs for him since he is no longer part of the RJD, the JJD leader said, "Nothing is different. People of Mahua are my family. I am contesting elections under my own party, the symbol of which is blackboard."

Pointing towards an elderly, anonymous 'freedom fighter' accompanying him, he said, "Someone who has seen Mahatma Gandhi with his own eyes is traveling with me. What else do I need?"

Regarding Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, Yadav remarked, "He is at best a trader. He does campaign work for parties by assembling resources. That's what he is doing now."