Tej Pratap Yadav Denies Paternity Rumors, Vows Legal Action Against 'Jaichands'
Expelled Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav has vehemently denied allegations that he fathered a child with a woman he was previously linked to, accusing his political detractors of spreading malicious rumors. In a press conference on Sunday, Yadav labeled those behind the claims as 'Jaichands'—a metaphor for traitors—and announced plans to pursue legal action against them.
Background of the Controversy
Tej Pratap Yadav was expelled from the RJD last year after a controversial Facebook post surfaced on his profile, showing him with a woman described as his girlfriend in the caption, which claimed they had been in a relationship for 12 years. Yadav has consistently maintained that this post was the result of his Facebook account being hacked by individuals he refers to as 'the five Jaichands,' a term derived from a 10th-century Rajput chieftain known for betrayal.
Yadav's Allegations and Emotional Outburst
In his statement to news agency PTI, Yadav expressed distress over the rumors, stating, "I am distraught at rumours on social media that a woman with whom I had been falsely linked several months ago, which resulted in my expulsion from the party, has given birth to my child." He revealed that he learned of the rumors after being informed that Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had congratulated him on the supposed birth.
Yadav identified the alleged conspirators as Mukesh Raushan, Sanjay Yadav, Shakti Singh Yadav, Rameez, and Sunil Singh. Notably, Sanjay Yadav is a sitting RJD MP, Sunil Singh is a member of the legislative council (MLC), Shakti Singh Yadav and Mukesh Raushan are former MLAs, and Rameez is a close friend of Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap's younger brother and the RJD's national working president. None of these individuals were available for comment on the allegations.
Legal and Political Implications
Yadav vowed to take decisive action, saying, "I will seek legal action against them. I will move the court. I have also sought an appointment with Home Minister Samrat Choudhary." He attributed the rumors to jealousy over his well-attended Makar Sankranti feast, suggesting it made his detractors wary of his political prospects.
In an emotional plea, Yadav added, "I beg my detractors to let me live in peace. I know the person with whom the woman is in a relationship and who, I believe, is the father of the child. They are causing mental anguish to me by dragging my name." He further told ANI that he is "completely depressed" and reiterated his intent to file a court application.
Call for Investigation
Yadav shifted focus to the relationship between the woman, Anushka Yadav, and an individual named Akash Bhati, questioning their connection. He asserted, "This should be investigated, not what kind of relationship she has with him. What kind of relationship does that girl have with him? Akash Bhati will tell you..." He accused Mukesh Roshan, Shakti Singh, and Sunil Singh of conspiring against him, demanding they explain the nature of Anushka Yadav and Akash Bhati's relationship.
This incident highlights the ongoing internal strife within Bihar's political landscape, with Yadav positioning himself against perceived betrayals while seeking to clear his name through legal channels.
