Latest news with #TejPratap
Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As Tej Pratap Yadav eyes Bihar polls, a look at his coalition of five small parties
Expelled RJD leader and ex-Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, has announced his alliance with five minor parties ahead of the state Assembly elections due in barely three months. This partnership, he said, could 'challenge Bihar's established political order' by bringing about 'social justice, social rights, and comprehensive change'. Tej Pratap's appeal lies primarily among a section of Yadav voters and among those 'disillusioned' with mainstream politics. His religious imagery, temple visits, and claims of being a 'spiritual leader' also resonate with voters. After his ouster from the RJD, the fanbase that Tej Pratap had managed to garner will go through a fire test in the Mahua constituency from where he is contesting as an Independent in the Assembly polls. Tej Pratap's alliance might influence a few constituencies where the five parties have their core support bases. This may split the Opposition votes for the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and help the ruling Nitish Kumar-led NDA in tight contests. However, none of the five parties have significant grassroots networks, established booth-level presence, or substantial financial resources and will have to be mostly dependent on Tej Pratap's leadership. Here is a look at the five parties: Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party (VVIP) The most prominent among Tej Pratap's new allies is Pradeep Nishad, who heads the newly-formed VVIP. Nishad, also known as 'Helicopter Baba', was once a close associate of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani. Due to differences, allegedly over 'not getting due respect in the party', Nishad, a native of UP's Mirzapur, left the VIP around 2021. He has formed the VVIP this year. Launched on June 28 and subsequently allotted 'ship' as its election symbol, the VVIP aims to represent the Nishad-Mallah community, traditionally associated with fishing and riverine occupation-based groups, which are currently represented by Sahani's party. During the August 5 press conference held to announce their coalition, Tej Pratap expressed strong support for Nishad and described his outfit as the 'original' party. He alleged that an 'impostor' was running the VIP, who is currently a Mahagathbandhan ally. 'Mukesh Sahani is a bahurupiya (imposter) who has betrayed the community's trust,' Nishad had alleged at an earlier event, referring to Sahani's crossovers between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The VVIP's emergence may lead to a split in the crucial Nishad vote, which constitutes about 4-8% of Bihar's electorate. The Nishad community has a significant presence in Araria, Forbesganj, and some seats in the Kosi-Seemanchal region. Bhojpuria Jan Morcha The Bhojpuria Jan Morcha led by Bharat Singh 'Sahyogi' started off as an organisation and became a party in 2023. It claims to champion the cause of Bhojpuri-speaking communities in the Bhojpur-Rohtas belt. Bharat Singh has argued that the Bhojpuri culture and identity have been 'systematically marginalised' in Bihar politics and has been actively working for the Bhojpuri community for years. His party had earlier announced its plans to contest all 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly polls. Singh's activism for the Bhojpuri communities has helped his party garner influence in some areas. Pragatisheel Janata Party The Pragatisheel Janta Party, which has been a registered party since 2019, positions itself as a voice for agricultural workers and unemployed youth. Its founder Manoranjan Kumar Srivastav had contested the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections from Chapra constituency but managed to secure only 282 votes. Wajib Adhikar Party Vidyanand Ram, the founder of the Wajib Adhikar Party, told The Indian Express that his party was registered with the Election Commission in August, 2017. 'I contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Samastipur in 2019, and also the bypoll in the seat when its sitting MP Ram Chandra Paswan passed away,' Ram said. He added that his party contested from six seats in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections and four seats in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, although it drew a blank in these polls. On his party's new alliance, Ram said: 'Tej Pratap ji is a big face, big politician and a person of big heart.' Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party Founded by Sudhir Kumar, the Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party, which had unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claims to represent small and marginal farmers like sharecroppers. Kumar contested from the Nalanda seat in the 2020 Assembly polls and managed to secure the third place with a total of 25,291 votes.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Expelled by Lalu, Tej Pratap invites RJD to join his alliance ahead of Bihar election: ‘Jinko humara mazak udana hai…'
Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday invited Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Congress to join him as he announced the formation of a coalition of five minor parties to contest the upcoming assembly election. Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav addressing a press conference in Patna, Bihar on Tuesday. (Santosh Kumar/HT) Tej Pratap Yadav, who was expelled from RJD by his father in May, made the announcement at a press conference, which was also attended by national presidents of the five parties. The five parties are Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party (VVIP), Bhojpuriya Jan Morcha (BJM), Pragatisheel Janta Party (PJP), Wajib Adhikar Party (WAP) and Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party (SKVP). Tej Pratap also announced that he will contest the assembly election, due later this year, from the Mahua seat, which he represented until 2020, when the RJD shifted him to Hasanpur. "Jinko humara mazak udana hai, hasi udana hai, udatey rahe… (people are free to make fun of me, but I will tread my own path). Our coalition will move forward together to ensure social justice, social rights, and the complete transformation of Bihar. If people give us the mandate, we will work towards the development of the state. We will work to fulfill the dreams of Ram Manohar Lohia, Karpoori Thakur and Jayaprakash Narayan," Tej Pratap said. Yadav said he will contest the polls from the Mahua assembly seat as an Independent candidate. In 2020, Mukesh Kumar Raushan of the RJD won the seat by defeating Ashma Parveen of the Janata Dal (United). "People are supporting me, and a large number of people are now connected with my 'Team Tej Pratap Yadav', a social media platform to reach out to people," he added. Responding to a question if his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav would contest against him from the Mahua assembly constituency, Tej Pratap replied, "Tejashwi Yadav won't contest from Mahua ever. I have always blessed him… No, we are not on talking terms.' 'You know we have blown the trumpet to contest elections and have worked for Mahua in the past. In elections, one has to find allies, similarly, they felt that they should join Team Tej Pratap. Many enemies will hear through your channel, but we will work. I will not comment on anyone,' he added. The former Bihar minister was expelled from the party on May 25 for six years, a day after he reportedly confessed to being "in a relationship" with a woman named Anushka. He, however, later deleted the social media post, claiming that his page was "hacked". Lalu Prasad also disowned Tej Pratap due to his 'irresponsible behaviour'. A few days later, after his expulsion from the party, Tej Pratap had alleged that there was a "conspiracy" to drive a wedge between him and his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav. He had voiced his sentiments in a couple of posts on his X handle, blaming the crisis on 'Jaichand', a metaphor for traitors. His expulsion came barely a few months ahead of the Bihar assembly poll, which the RJD will fight under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. (With inputs from PTI)
India.com
5 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Lalu Yadav's Son, Tej Pratap Yadav, Forms New Alliance Ahead Of Assembly Elections
In a significant political move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, announced the formation of a new alliance with five regional parties under the theme of social justice and total transformation. Speaking to the media at Maurya Hotel in Patna, Tej Pratap said his alliance includes Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party (VVIP), Bhojpuriya Jan Morcha (BJM), Pragatisheel Janta Party (PJP), Wajib Adhikar Party (WAP), and Samyukta Kisan Vikas Party. 'The objective of our alliance is very clear—social justice, social rights, and complete change. If the people support us, we promise comprehensive development of Bihar. We also vow to fulfil the dreams of Lohia, Karpoori Thakur, and Jayaprakash Narayan,' Tej Pratap declared. He also extended an open invitation to the RJD to join the alliance, but firmly ruled out any alliance with the BJP or JD-U. 'We are socialists and will never form an alliance with parties like the BJP and JD-U,' he said. When asked about RJD's state president Mangani Lal Mandal's claim that Tej Pratap has no existence in the party, the former minister hit back sharply: 'Mandal should pick up the kamandal and go to Banaras or Vrindavan. We'll send him to our Guruji's ashram there,' Tej Pratap retorted. When asked if Tejashwi would contest from Mahua Assembly constituency, Tej Pratap said, 'Tejashwi will never contest from Mahua. I have always blessed him to move forward. I don't desire any post or the Chief Minister's chair. We will take Yadavs and Muslims together,' he added. Tej Pratap confirmed that he will contest the upcoming elections from Mahua as an independent candidate, stating he has the people's full support. 'We have blown the trumpet for Mahua. From today, we are starting a new political innings. Many enemies will fear our progress, but we are confident of moving ahead.' He also dismissed Mukesh Sahani's VIP (Vikassheel Insaan Party) as a 'disguised party,' claiming the real Nishad party is with him. 'We don't want to fall into the trap of Jaichands. Our alliance will carry forward the dreams of Bihar's marginalised communities,' he said.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
MNNIT team develops advanced oil seal to boost two-wheeler performance
Prayagraj: In a significant breakthrough, a team of mechanical engineers at MNNIT Prayagraj has undertaken a pioneering project to design a leakage-resistant oil seal for motorcycle and scooter shock absorbers. Led by assistant professor Tej Pratap, the six-month initiative is backed by the Hero Group with an Rs 8.1 lakh grant, aiming to enhance ride quality and reduce maintenance costs. Unlike conventional efforts to redesign entire shock absorbers, this focused initiative targets the oil seal — a small but critical component that prevents hydraulic oil from leaking out of the shocker assembly. Leakage not only reduces suspension efficiency, but also damages internal shocker components, ultimately forcing vehicle owners to replace the entire unit or incur repeated repair costs. The MNNIT project aims to develop an advanced oil seal using new materials and seal geometries that can effectively eliminate this recurring problem. Pratap explained that the new seal design would enhance internal sealing strength, thereby preventing oil seepage even under high-stress and high-temperature conditions. The development process includes prototype fabrication, rigorous lab testing, and eventually, field testing in collaboration with Hero's R&D wing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Once validated, the oil seal is expected to be integrated into next-generation two-wheeler models, significantly reducing ownership costs and enhancing shocker longevity. Working alongside Pratap are Abhishek Tiwari and Ashutosh Mishra from the Applied Mechanics Department. To meet project timelines, MNNIT is also appointing a dedicated project assistant with a stipend of Rs 30,000 per month. The team expects to deliver a working prototype within the next few months. This collaboration underscores a larger trend of industry-academia partnerships in solving practical engineering challenges. With this innovation, Hero Group and MNNIT aim to set a new standard for component reliability in India's booming two-wheeler market. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tej terms Mahua battle a referendum on Lalu
Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad's elder son, , on Thursday said a win for him in the upcoming assembly elections from Mahua would symbolise a victory for his father Lalu Prasad. "If the people of Mahua ensure my victory, then you people are working to make Lalu ji win," said Tej Pratap, the current MLA from Hasanpur, during his visit to Mahua, the seat from which he has announced his candidature. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite being expelled from the RJD for six years and "disowned" by his father, Tej Pratap has launched his own political platform, 'Team Tej Pratap'. He has also announced plans to field candidates in several other constituencies across the state. Challenging his younger brother Tejashwi Prasad Yadav — leader of the opposition and widely seen as the face of the opposition in Bihar — Tej drew an analogy from the Mahabharat. "If the opposition's face in Bihar is called 'Arjun', then he should play the flute as well. Then it will be clear who is Arjun and who is Krishna," he said, alluding to his own image as a devotee of Lord Krishna and his penchant for playing the flute. Tej had earlier represented Mahua before contesting from Hasanpur in the 2020 assembly election. He urged voters to give him another opportunity, reminding them of his contributions during his previous tenure. "It was Tej Pratap who brought a medical college to Mahua. If there is a problem with electricity, then you make me win. I will work to make electricity free," he said. Taking aim at the current Mahua MLA, Mukesh Roshan, Tej called him an "imposter" (bahurupiya) and claimed that Mahua had progressed significantly since the establishment of the medical college. "The land here has become expensive. Work is done step by step. Nothing is done in haste," he said. "Whenever I come to Mahua, the impostor MLA here starts crying," he added.
