Viral Video: Estranged Brothers Tej Pratap and Tejashwi Yadav's Awkward Airport Encounter During Bihar Election Campaign

Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav encountered each other unexpectedly at Patna airport during the Bihar election campaign period.

The estranged brothers, who have been campaigning against one another in the lead-up to the Bihar elections, had an awkward encounter at Patna airport that was captured on camera during a podcast. The viral video shows Tej Pratap appearing visibly disheartened as his younger brother walked past. Neither brother initiated conversation with the other.

This uncomfortable interaction was documented in a podcast by YouTuber Samdish. Prior to entering the airport, Tej Pratap questioned reporters about their persistent inquiries regarding Tejashwi. The Janshakti Janata Dal leader then proceeded into the airport and began browsing Nehru jackets at a clothing store. An aide subsequently informed him that Tejashwi was passing by, at which point the camera captures Tejashwi walking with Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. Tejashwi has been designated as the Opposition's Chief Minister candidate, while Sahani is the coalition's choice for Deputy Chief Minister.

Recognizing the YouTuber, Tejashwi greeted Samdish with a wave. Without directly addressing Tej Pratap, he asked Samdish, "Shopping kara rahe hain Bhaiya? (Is Bhaiya buying you something?)" The YouTuber responded, "He is giving me a gift," to which Tejashwi remarked, "You are very lucky."

As Tejashwi shook hands with the YouTuber, Sahani mentioned they were heading to a rally. The camera then returned to Tej Pratap, who was silently observing his younger brother departing. He subsequently turned and reentered the store. When questioned by the YouTuber about not speaking with Tejashwi, Tej Pratap initially pretended not to understand before eventually stating, "He is doing fine."

Tej Pratap's party has nominated candidates in 22 constituencies, including the family stronghold of Raghopur where Tejashwi is running as the RJD candidate.

During campaign events, Tej Pratap has declared, "This is a battleground. There is no brother, no nephew, only the enemy." Taking aim at Tejashwi, he has referred to him as a "child" and threatened to give him a "jhunjhuna" (rattle toy) after the elections.

Tej Pratap was expelled from RJD in May following controversy over a Facebook photo showing him with a woman identified as Anushka Yadav, with whom he allegedly had a 12-year relationship.

The post created speculation about why Tej Pratap married Aishwarya Rai, daughter of political figure Chandrika Rai, in 2018 if he was already in a relationship. The couple is currently involved in divorce proceedings. Tej Pratap claimed his social media account had been compromised.

The following day, his father and RJD patriarch Lalu Yadav announced Tej Pratap's expulsion from the party, stating that "ignoring moral values" in personal life undermines the community's social justice efforts. "The elder son's activities, public behavior, and irresponsible conduct are not in line with our family's values. In the current circumstances, I remove him from the party and the family," Lalu declared, announcing a six-year expulsion. Tejashwi, who now largely manages RJD operations, supported his father's decision, asserting that certain actions "cannot be tolerated".