The battleground of Mahua assembly has started to stir Raghopur. While Tej Pratap Yadav contests Mahua and Tejashwi Yadav stands for Raghopur, this has turned into a battle of honor and prestige between the brothers. With the way they are confronting each other, the internal discord within Lalu Yadav's party and family is becoming more severe and signaling serious political consequences.
By supporting RJD candidate Mukesh Roshan in Mahua, Tejashwi Yadav has effectively challenged Tej Pratap Yadav to come to Raghopur. In response, a furious Tej Pratap has pledged to bring two helicopters to Raghopur.
While not as violent as Mokama, the conflict between Mahua and Raghopur is equally intense. Tej Pratap made clear early on that if there's interference in Mahua, he would retaliate in Raghopur.
The disagreement between Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, playing out in both media and social media, has intensified with Tejashwi's campaign in Mahua. This move could bring trouble for him.
Regarding the speculation of contesting two seats, Tej Pratap said he would run from Raghopur too if that happened. However, after filing his nomination, Tejashwi declared he had no intention of contesting two seats. Perhaps, Tej Pratap assumed Mahua would be omitted from Tejashwi's campaign schedule, but that wasn't the case.
Tejashwi's presence in Mahua meant targeting Tej Pratap. He stated, 'Let anyone come or go... Nothing is bigger than the party... Party is like parents; where the lantern and Lalu Yadav's flag fly... The lantern's glow will herald our government.'
Tej Pratap responded likewise, asserting that the public is superior to both family and party. He emphasized, 'In a democracy, the people are the ultimate authority... not any party or family.'
Having rejected RJD's 'Jannayak' campaign earlier, Tej Pratap criticized Tejashwi's claim of taking the chief minister's oath on November 18. He pointed out that while anyone can claim anything, people's verdict is the true decider, and results will tell the true story.
The unfolding political drama is painting the scene in vibrant hues. Tejashwi has the reins of the party and his father's backing, while Tej Pratap has his mother's blessings. Rabri Devi, campaigning for votes in Raghopur, says she won't be actively campaigning but extends heartfelt blessings to Tej Pratap. Meanwhile, in Tejashwi's domain, Misa Bharti, along with his sisters Rohini and Ragini, participate in the campaigns.
Rabri, when asked about the campaign, remarked, 'Though I won't attend actively, in spirit, he's ours. He's on different paths but standing at his strength. Nobody can take away his right to wander in Bihar.'
She alludes to internal family issues, suggesting the hurt over Tej Pratap's potential exclusion. Rabri emphasizes, 'In heart, he's still ours... Party members drove apart... but not in spirit.'
A recent video depicted dissatisfaction among Tejashwi's constituents in Raghopur. An elderly man complained to Rabri Devi about Tejashwi's absence. In contrast, days ago, Tej Pratap aided flood-afflicted Raghopur residents and questioned the local MLA's lack of presence.
In Raghopur, Tejashwi assured the public this election isn't merely choosing an MLA but a chief minister. He promised modern college and hospital facilities under the Mahagathbandhan government.
He urged the public, 'Let me rest assured of victory so I can campaign freely across Bihar.' Since Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi's tenure, Tejashwi has been Raghopur's MLA for the past two terms, aiming for a third.
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Political dynamics in Raghopur have shifted subtly this time. In 2020, Chirag Paswan's exit from the NDA lightened Tejashwi's path. This time, however, he's with the NDA.
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With RJD fielding candidates in Mahua, Tej Pratap introduced Prem Kumar in Raghopur, while the Jan Suraj Party's Chanchal Kumar joined the fray. BJP reposed faith in Satish Yadav, who once defeated Rabri Devi in 2010, despite subsequent losses to Tejashwi in 2015 and 2020.
For Lalu's family, the critical challenge is Tejashwi's involvement in Mahua, risking Raghopur. Meanwhile, Tej Pratap seems intent on entering Raghopur with a plan to disrupt, resembling the notion of 'if not playing, none shall - rather, ruin the game.'
