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The biggest challenge the Yadav scion faces is the need to balance the core vote bank with his quest for an image makeover
Much as he may try, Tejashwi, the son, has to shoulder the baggage of his father, including the corruption allegations against him. (PTI)
Sons usually like to step into their father’s shoes. But when a fiercely fought election is around the corner, is it a good idea? The question arises after Tejashwi Yadav was officially named the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan. Within hours of the announcement, the BJP rubbed its hands with glee. The party had found an issue to attack the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), warning Bihar’s voters that Tejashwi would bring back Lalu Raj, aka ‘Jungle Raj’.
So, will it be easy for Tejashwi Yadav to come out of his father’s shadows? To disown his legacy?
It’s clear that Tejashwi is seeing the writing on the wall. It’s clear he knows that the BJP will whip up sentiment in its outreach to the youth, especially to first-time voters. As per the Election Commission, in Bihar, there are 14 lakh first-time voters who are not privy to the Lalu years that the BJP keeps making a reference to. Lest the people forget, the BJP’s strategy is to ensure that the youth learns history. That Lalu’s regime was identified by a free run for dons or bahubalis, where kidnapping and dacoity was normal and where the likes of Shahabuddins and Munna Shuklas reigned.
With RJD giving tickets to Munna Shukla’s daughter Shivani Shukla and Shahabuddin’s son Osama, the BJP’s task to paint Tejashwi’s probable elevation as return of ‘Jungle Raj’ has become easier. The BJP makes the point that Tejashwi is no different from his father as he is encouraging don culture for political compulsion.
But Tejashwi Yadav is aware of this. There was considerable care behind choosing Shivani Shukla. London-returned Shivani, with a degree in law, speaks about the need for education and jobs. This is also the reason why Tejashwi has been promising jobs for every household. However, he knows he will have to counter the ‘Jungle Raj’ narrative by making law and order an issue himself. This is why he made a statement that if there is scope for more investment, it’s possible only if law and order is maintained. He added that he would be the first to fight back in case a law was broken.
This is a Tejashwi who wants to come out of the shadows of his father. He wants to counter the Lalu times by stressing on jobs. While he is clearly ensuring that the Yadav-Muslim base is kept intact (like when he spoke about scrapping the Waqf law), Tejashwi knows he has to reinvent himself and also broaden his base. With this in mind, he had devised the BAAP formula way back in 2024, which showed how he wanted to tap into a new support base in Bahujan, Agda, Aadhi Aabadi—which is women—and P for poor. One way of doing so is of course his stress on jobs. This apart, look at his reels and media strategy that are very clearly aimed at the youth and present a fresh picture.
But all this is easier said than done. Much as he may try, Tejashwi, the son, has to shoulder the baggage of his father, including the corruption allegations against him. The choice of candidates who have links to Bahubalis who ruled large during Lalu’s times also shows that in the biggest do-or-die battle, Tejashwi cannot shed his father’s wings. He needs to balance the core vote bank with his quest for an image makeover. This is the biggest challenge the Yadav scion faces.
Is it possible for a son to completely come out of his father’s shadows? Especially if the father is one of the most charismatic, seasoned and shrewd politicians Lalu Prasad Yadav? Only time—and Bihar—will tell.
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als…Read More
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als… Read More
October 28, 2025, 09:06 IST
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