Tej Pratap Yadav Launches New Political Party, Jan Shakti Janata Dal

Patna | September 26, 2025 RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, has officially launched his new political outfit after being expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). On Friday, Yadav announced the formation of the Jan Shakti Janata Dal (JSJD), declaring himself the national president of the party. The symbol chosen for the party is a blackboard, reflecting his message of education and empowerment. Announcement on Social Media Tej Pratap revealed the party’s name and symbol through a poster shared on his social media account X (formerly Twitter). The poster showcased him as the new party’s president, alongside the slogan of fighting a “long political battle” in Bihar. The announcement comes shortly after his removal from the RJD, a move that intensified tensions within the Yadav political family and highlighted the growing rift between him and his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, who remains the key leader of the RJD. Aiming for a Long-Term Political Fight In his statement, Tej Pratap emphasized that the Jan Shakti Janata Dal was not a temporary move but a vehicle for a long and sustained struggle. He positioned the party as a platform to represent marginalized voices, particularly backward classes and Dalits, echoing the legacy of social justice politics that his father popularized in Bihar. The blackboard as the party’s symbol, according to his supporters, signifies education as a tool for empowerment and equality. Election Commission Yet to Confirm Registration Despite the announcement, officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that they have no official record yet of the Jan Shakti Janata Dal being registered as a recognized political party. Nor has a poll symbol been formally allotted. This suggests that while Tej Pratap has launched the party publicly, the bureaucratic and legal processes required for recognition are still pending. Until the party is officially registered, its role in upcoming elections will remain uncertain. Background: Expulsion from RJD Tej Pratap’s political journey has been marked by frequent controversies and public disagreements with his own party colleagues. Recently, he was expelled from the RJD for alleged “indiscipline” and “anti-party activities.” Following his expulsion, he declared that he would no longer be a silent spectator in Bihar politics and would carve out his own path. In August, he had also claimed that a coalition of five smaller, lesser-known parties had come together under his leadership, suggesting that he was preparing for an alternative political front well before the expulsion. Implications for Bihar Politics The formation of the Jan Shakti Janata Dal adds yet another layer to the already fragmented political landscape of Bihar. While Tej Pratap Yadav has not yet demonstrated strong electoral clout, his entry with a new party could potentially divide votes, especially in constituencies where the Yadav family name carries weight. Analysts believe that although the party may not immediately pose a threat to larger political outfits like the RJD, JD(U), or BJP, it could play a spoiler role in tightly contested seats. Conclusion Tej Pratap Yadav’s decision to float the Jan Shakti Janata Dal marks a bold step in his political career, signaling his intent to fight independently of his family’s established political legacy. Whether this move strengthens his standing or isolates him further within Bihar’s complex political equations will depend largely on how quickly the new party can gain recognition, grassroots support, and credibility among voters. Tej Pratap Yadav Floats New Party in Bihar After being expelled from the RJD, Lalu Prasad’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has launched a new political party named Jan Shakti Janata Dal. Declaring himself the national president, Yadav unveiled the party’s poll symbol as a blackboard, which he says reflects his vision of empowerment and education. Sharing the poster on social media, he described the new outfit as a platform for a “long battle” in Bihar. However, the Election Commission has not yet confirmed the party’s registration or official symbol allotment, leaving its electoral future uncertain for now.