Patna: Tej Pratap Yadav’s message to his brother and former Bihar chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has come as a shocker.
The two brothers parted ways earlier this year after their father and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled Tej Pratap from the party.
Tejashwi turned 36 on Sunday and it was but normal for his elder brother to wish him. However, the contents of the message were nothing short of startling.
“My life is in danger; people might even get me killed.” Tej Pratap wrote, adding: “Best wishes to Tejashwi on his birthday. My blessings are always with him, may he continue to progress.”
While Tej Pratap may have wished his brother’s progress in his personal life, he wouldn’t want Tejashwi to do too well politically. Tej Pratap has launched his own political party – the Jan Shakti Janata Dal – and fielded over 40 candidates against the RJD in the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections.
Tej Pratap has also been accused of getting close to the BJP. While there has been no official confirmation from him or the BJP on this, the National Democratic Alliance will certainly want him to cut into the RJD’s votebank, giving its candidates a better chance.
The central government recently upgraded Tej Pratap’s security to the Y-Plus category, following a report from security agencies which expressed concern over his safety. As per the Union home ministry’s directive, CRPF personnel have now been deployed for his protection. His inclusion in the VIP protection list, shortly before his “threat” remark is being viewed as politically significant.
Tej Pratap is himself contesting from Mahua constituency. He has been actively addressing election rallies and connecting with voters. He has also said that the people want change, and he’s ready to lead that change with the power of youth.