From Brother to Nemesis: Why are Pappu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav arch enemies?

Once allies under Lalu Prasad’s RJD, Pappu Yadav and Tejaashwi Yadav now clash openly over political dominance. Seat disputes, public insults, and a battle for Yadav leadership fuel their enmity. With Pappu as an independent force and Tejaashwi guarding his legacy, Bihar’s political future hangs in balance.

Patna: The tussle between Pappu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar politics is no longer hidden from anyone. Both the leaders were once under the same political roof, and the relationship was also very close, but today the situation is such that both do not hesitate to make harsh statements against each other.

The origins of the feud

Pappu Yadav, whose real name is Rajesh Ranjan, was counted among the trusted companions of Lalu Prasad Yadav in the 1990s. He has a good influence in the Kosi and Seeman149310chal regions. Initially, Pappu considered Tejashwi as a younger brother and supported him. But as Tejashwi strengthened his hold in politics, Pappu started feeling that he was being sidelined. This dissatisfaction gradually turned into drift and then enmity.

Jan Adhikar Party (JAP)

After 2004, Pappu Yadav distanced himself from RJD and formed his own party—Jan Adhikar Party (JAP). He tried to join the Grand Alliance in the 2015 and 2020 elections, but Tejashwi Yadav opposed it.

The dispute deepened, especially regarding the Purnia seat. Pappu considers this seat his stronghold, but Tejashwi gave the ticket to Bima Bharti from there in 2024, which brought the conflict to the open. Pappu won this seat by contesting as an independent and accused Tejashwi of making derogatory statements.

The Enmity Grows Deeper

Pappu Yadav not getting a place on the stage with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during the Bihar Bandh on 9 July 2025 also proved to be a big setback for him. He called it his insult and questioned Tejashwi's ability. He says that if Lalu Prasad's name is removed, Tejashwi will have no identity left.

Actually, this fight is not just personal but also a battle for the leadership of the Yadav community. Tejashwi considers himself the leader of RJD and the Yadav vote bank, while Pappu considers himself a publicly connected grassroots leader who talks about transparency and giving a chance to new faces. Pappu alleges that Tejashwi is doing politics only for nepotism and power.

Although Pappu said in the 'Bihar Samvad' program that if Tejashwi becomes the Chief Minister, he will leave Bihar or get killed, he later called it sarcasm. Still, the bitterness in the relationship between him and Tejashwi is not hidden from anyone.

It will be interesting to see in the future whether the needs of politics will bring the two closer again or this distance will deepen. At present, both the leaders are busy strengthening their political ground.