BJP, JDU Slam Lalu Yadav Over Tej Pratap's Ouster, Cite Ex-Wife Aishwarya Rai Row

A few months before the Bihar Assembly elections, RJD chief Lalu Yadav expelled his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party and disowned him for six years, citing 'irresponsible behaviour'. The move drew sharp criticism from the Janata Dal United (JDU) and Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP and JDU leaders questioned the moral grounds and timing of Lalu Yadav's decision, bringing up the sensitive issue of Tej Pratap's estranged marriage to Aishwarya Rai.

What Did The JDU Say?

Neeraj Kumar, JDU MLC and chief spokesperson, slammed Lalu Yadav, questioning his hypocrisy on family honour and social justice.

Citing Neeraj Kumar, IANS reported, Where was Lalu Prasad Yadav바카라�s morality and dignity when his family threw out Aishwarya Rai, the granddaughter of Daroga Prasad Rai and daughter of senior politician Chandrika Rai?

Neeraj Kumar accused Lalu Prasad of failing to uphold social justice and respect for women, citing Aishwarya Rai's alleged mistreatment at the hands of the Yadav family.

"Tejashwi Yadav still refers to Tej Pratap as his elder brother, despite his expulsion. Is this not a game of cat and mouse being played by Lalu and Tejashwi? Who is really calling the shots?" Neeraj Kumar also criticised Tejashwi Yadav, IANS quoted as saying.

How BJP Reacts?

Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary of the OBC wing, Nikhil Anand slammed RJD with a similar comment, alleging that Lalu Yadav and his family had ignored the dignity of Aishwarya Rai and her family.

Nikhil Anand said, "바카라�Lalu Prasad Yadav! It is natural for you to worry about your honour. But when your entire family should have stood with Aishwarya Rai, you all remained silent," as quoted by IANS.

He further accused Lalu of hypocrisy, questioning his attempt to lecture others on morality while expelling Tej Pratap.

바카라�Today, for the first time since the formation of RJD, you seem to care about character and reputation. But what about the dignity of Daroga Prasad Rai바카라�s granddaughter? Wasn바카라�t her respect auctioned off by your family바카라�s actions?바카라� he added.

"If everyone, including Sadhu Yadav (Lalu바카라�s brother-in-law), knew about Tej Pratap바카라�s temperament, why was Aishwarya Rai forced into this marriage? Was her family deceived in the name of political alliance?" he raised the question.

The BJP leader said that Lalu Prasad may have taken action to save his and the RJD's image, but the Yadav community is now demanding answers about the injustice done to Aishwarya Rai.

The Controversy

On Sunday, RJD chief Lalu Yadav expelled his elder son, RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, for his 'irresponsible behaviour'.

This comes a day after Tej Pratap's Facebook post, in which he revealed his relationship status with a young woman, but later claimed that his account had been hacked.

After Lalu Yadav's decision, when Tejashwi Yadav, the former deputy chief minister, was asked about the proverbial last straw, he gave a guarded response but minced no words in stating that 'things have not been to my liking'.