After a video call, Tej Pratap hoped for support from the Samajwadi Party, but Akhilesh Yadav clarified that the SP would support Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD in Bihar.
UP Politics: Akhilesh Yadav, the veteran leader of Uttar Pradesh politics and president of the Samajwadi Party, has made a significant statement regarding Bihar politics. On Wednesday, RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav shared an emotional post on social media after a video call with Akhilesh Yadav. In it, he called Akhilesh a 'dear member of the family' and expressed hope that he would get the support of the SP in Bihar politics. However, on Thursday, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's statement dealt a major blow to Tej Pratap's hopes. He made it clear that the Samajwadi Party would support Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD in the Bihar assembly elections.
Tej Pratap's post fueled speculations
On Wednesday, Tej Pratap Yadav wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Today, I had a long video call with one of the dearest members of my family, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Akhilesh Yadav ji. During this, there was also a discussion on Bihar politics. When his call came, it felt like I was not alone in my fight." After this post, discussions began in political circles that Tej Pratap might contest the elections from Mahua or Hasanpur on a Samajwadi Party ticket. But the very next day, Akhilesh's clear stance put an end to these speculations.
Akhilesh Yadav's statement: Support will be given to Tejashwi
During a press conference held at the Samajwadi Party headquarters on Thursday, when the media asked about Tej Pratap's video call, Akhilesh said, "He called me twice, I redialed out of courtesy. During this, normal conversation took place. We will support Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar. Our party has stood with Lalu Ji's party before and will continue to do so."
A setback to Tej Pratap's political ambitions
Tej Pratap Yadav has been struggling for his political existence for a long time. Despite being the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the elder brother of Tejashwi Yadav, his grip on the party is continuously weakening. His frequent statements and different political signals have indicated that he might seek a new political path by leaving the party or with another allied party.
However, after the call with Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday, he had hinted that he might get support from the SP in UP. But now, Akhilesh Yadav's stance has made it clear that the SP will consider Tejashwi as its primary ally.
Family conflict versus party loyalty
Reports of political and personal differences between Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have been coming to light for a long time. While Tejashwi is considered the heir to the RJD and the future Chief Minister, Tej Pratap is often seen speaking out of line with the party on various issues. In such a situation, it was necessary for Tej Pratap to seek political support, and he felt that perhaps the SP would support him. But Akhilesh Yadav's clear stance shows that he places party loyalty above family differences.
Targeting the Yogi government as well
In the same press conference, Akhilesh Yadav also launched a scathing attack on the Yogi government in UP. Referring to an incident in Etawah, he said, "Before coming to power, the BJP talks about the Constitution, but after coming to power, it does not abide by anything. The government that talks about zero tolerance is witnessing the most oppression."
