Bihar Assembly Elections: Tejashwi and Tej Pratap's Viral Encounter

As Bihar prepares for the first phase of assembly elections tomorrow, a video featuring estranged brothers Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav has gone viral. The clip, filmed at Patna airport during a podcast by YouTuber Samdish, captures a brief interaction between the two brothers, highlighting their strained relationship.

In the video, Tej Pratap, who leads the newly formed Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), is seen browsing Nehru jackets when a party worker informs him that his younger brother, Tejashwi, is also at the airport. Tejashwi, the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan and a leader of the RJD, greets Samdish with a smile, asking, "Shopping karwa rahe hai bhaiya?" (Are you shopping with brother?). Samdish replies, "Woh humko gift de rahe hai." (He’s giving me a gift.) Tejashwi then comments, "You’re very lucky," before shaking hands with Samdish.

The camera then shifts back to Tej Pratap, who silently observes the exchange before turning away. When questioned about their relationship, Tej Pratap hesitantly states he is "doing fine." The video has resonated with viewers, many of whom interpreted the brothers' silence as both awkward and emotional. Comments on social media reflect sentiments about the enduring bond of brotherhood despite political differences.

The encounter comes at a time when both brothers are campaigning for opposing political fronts. Tejashwi is part of the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, while Tej Pratap is leading his own JJD. Their relationship has been marked by tension, especially after Tej Pratap was expelled from the RJD earlier this year for alleged breaches of party values. He has publicly criticized Tejashwi, recently calling him "still a child" and suggesting that he would be given a toy after the elections, implying a lack of political maturity.

The rift between the brothers has deepened over the past months, with Tej Pratap unfollowing Tejashwi on social media. Their family feud has roots in earlier controversies, including Tej Pratap's public claims about his personal life and his turbulent marriage, which ended in a pending divorce.

Tej Pratap has firmly stated he would "choose death over returning to that party," emphasizing his commitment to his principles. He is contesting from the Mahua constituency, while Tejashwi is leading the Mahagathbandhan's campaign alongside Mukesh Sahani of the VIP, who is the alliance's deputy chief ministerial candidate.

Voting for the Bihar Assembly elections will occur in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results expected on November 14.