Family Divided: Rabri Devi Supports Both Sons in Bihar Election While Lalu Yadav Backs Only Tejashwi

Despite Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Yadav having expelled his elder son Tej Pratap from both family and party, his wife Rabri Devi remains emotionally torn between her children—Tej and the younger Tejashwi Yadav, who is positioned as his father's political heir.

"My best wishes to both my sons. Tej Pratap is contesting on his own. I am their mother. Good luck to both," Rabri Devi shared with reporters after casting her vote at a Patna polling station.

Bihar Phase 1 Voting is currently underway with both brothers participating from opposite political sides.

Tej Pratap later expressed that his parents' blessings hold special significance for him.

Devi's maternal stance contrasts sharply with the RJD chief's definitive position on Tej Pratap, whom he disowned in May citing "irresponsible behaviour" before expelling him from the party. The elder son had reportedly acknowledged a relationship on social media, though he later claimed his account was compromised.

Finding himself isolated from his family, Tej Pratap subsequently launched his own political organization, Janshakti Janata Dal, which is now fielding independent candidates in the Bihar elections.

Meanwhile, Tejashwi, the younger brother positioned to inherit the party leadership, serves as the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and smaller political groups. Both brothers are children of former Bihar chief ministers.

The family arrived early to vote, accompanied by Tejashwi, daughter-in-law Rajshree Yadav, and daughters Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya.

"I appeal to the people of Bihar to step out and vote, and don't forget your right to vote," Rabri Devi urged, while her husband Lalu Yadav expressed confidence about an imminent change in Bihar's governance.

Tejashwi Yadav confidently predicted the formation of a new government by November 14, when vote counting concludes after the two-phase election. "Vote for change, vote for development, vote for jobs," he encouraged voters.

Tej Pratap, who voted separately at another Patna polling station, emphasized that voters would support candidates who genuinely work for them. "Every vote is important... Blessings of parents hold a special place, and public blessings have their own importance," he noted.

Later, Lalu Yadav used a "roti" metaphor to advocate for political change, stating that his son Tejashwi must assume power for Bihar's development.

"The roti should keep turning on the tawa; otherwise, it will burn. 20 years is too long! Now, for the youth government and the new Bihar, a Tejashwi government is extremely necessary," the veteran politician declared in a social media statement.