What Next for Tej Pratap Yadav? Political Speculation Rises After Call with Akhilesh

Patna/Lucknow | June 26, 2025 – In a move stirring political whispers across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav shared images from a video call with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, prompting speculation over potential realignments, strategic coordination, or even a future political transition.

The social media post, which went viral within hours, showed the two young leaders engaged in what appeared to be a warm and lengthy conversation. With both parties grappling with shifting political sands post the Lok Sabha elections, political analysts are closely reading between the lines.

The Timing Raises Eyebrows

The timing of Tej Pratap's post — days after murmurs of dissatisfaction within the RJD camp surfaced — has raised questions. His strained relationship with his brother and RJD heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav is no secret. Tej Pratap has often positioned himself as an ideological guardian of Lalu Prasad’s legacy, while Tejashwi has focused on pragmatic alliances and economic narratives.

"Tej Pratap’s outreach to Akhilesh Yadav is symbolic. It reflects his desire to be taken seriously in the new opposition space emerging in North India," said political analyst Shubham Singh.

Akhilesh’s Role in the Larger Opposition Canvas

Akhilesh Yadav, who emerged stronger in Uttar Pradesh by winning a significant chunk of seats in the 2024 general elections, is being seen as a key architect of opposition unity. His ties with Tejashwi Yadav were well-established during the INDIA bloc phase. But with the bloc’s unity fraying in recent months, individual leaders are re-calibrating their positions.

“Tej Pratap could be exploring a new role — either within the SP-led youth coalition Akhilesh wants to form or as a bridge between SP and the RJD’s old guard,” said Rajeev Mishra, a Lucknow-based journalist. “It is also possible that Akhilesh is using Tej Pratap to signal a message to Tejashwi.”

Family Dynamics and Power Play

The Yadav family’s internal dynamics have long been fodder for political gossip. Tej Pratap, despite being the elder son, was sidelined from key party affairs post-2019. His public disagreements, resignations, and statements have shown a pattern of volatility, often embarrassing the party.

However, his recent behavior appears more calculated. Political observers note a shift in tone — from impulsive to strategic.

“This could be his reinvention moment,” commented Prof. Aarti Sinha of Patna University. “By aligning with Akhilesh, Tej Pratap is attempting to revive his brand — rooted in Yadav identity politics, environmental activism, and spiritual nationalism — a blend that may appeal to a niche but loyal voter base.”

What Could Be Next?

While no formal alliance or decision has been announced, several possibilities are under consideration:

1. Strategic Alliance: A semi-formal alliance between a Tej Pratap-led faction of RJD and SP in Bihar, especially ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

2. New Political Outfit: If the rift with Tejashwi widens, Tej Pratap might float his own outfit, possibly with backing from SP or other regional players.

3. Role in SP's National Strategy: Akhilesh might be grooming Tej Pratap for a national role as part of an emerging “young opposition” front that includes leaders like Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Jayant Chaudhary, and Hardik Patel.

Investor and Market Outlook

While political developments like these do not directly influence financial markets in the short term, they can impact state-level governance and policy priorities.

“Any disruption in RJD’s structure or rise of a new political bloc in Bihar could lead to policy uncertainty, especially in infrastructure and welfare sectors,” said Amrita Nair, a political risk analyst at Mitra Advisors. “Investors looking at Bihar and UP for long-term bets — especially in real estate, agri-tech, and logistics — will watch these developments carefully.”

In states where regional leaders play strong roles, their alliances and ideological shifts often affect local business climate. A stable opposition, whether unified or fragmented, will define how Centre-state relations evolve — particularly for BJP-led policy rollouts.

An Emerging Repositioning?

Though it's too early to predict a formal shift, the visuals shared by Tej Pratap have achieved their purpose — capturing attention, reigniting debates, and putting him back into the political spotlight. Whether this is a bid for autonomy, relevance, or a realignment of ideology, it marks a potential turning point for the elder Yadav sibling.

The coming weeks may clarify if this is just another headline-grabbing move or the beginning of a new political script in Bihar's ever-evolving arena.