Bihar Election Result 2025: Brothers Tejashwi and Tej Pratap fight out in high-stakes poll battle

As Bihar moves through the final hours of counting after a tightly fought two-phase election, a dramatic subplot threatens to overshadow the main contest. The spotlight is not only on Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial hopeful Tejashwi Yadav – but also on his elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, whose sudden political rebellion has added an unpredictable element to the race.

Once known as the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s most flamboyant face, Tej Pratap has reinvented himself under a new flag, the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD). With emotional rallies, devotional imagery, and combative remarks aimed at both rivals and his own family, he has turned himself into one of the election’s most-discussed figures. The central question is now impossible to ignore: can his revolt dent Tejashwi’s chances today, or will it fade as mere political theatre?

A rebellion recast through a new party

Tej Pratap’s exit from the RJD – triggered by a controversial social media post that led to his expulsion – became the turning point of this election. He responded by forming the Janshakti Janata Dal, positioning it as a platform built on loyalty, grassroots voices, and moral politics.

The JJD fielded candidates in 43 seats, many in Yadav-dominated belts long considered RJD bastions. By attracting disgruntled former RJD workers and local leaders, Tej Pratap’s camp attempted to slice into the Mahagathbandhan’s core vote base.

Political strategists note that even a modest 2–3% shift could tip the scales in constituencies where the margins are tight. In places like Mohiuddinnagar, Bakhtiyarpur, and Sonpur, JJD’s presence could indirectly bolster the NDA by dividing Yadav votes.

A campaign of emotion, spirituality, and raw connect

Unlike Tejashwi’s polished, data-heavy rallies, Tej Pratap’s campaign adopted a markedly personal tone. Travelling without the RJD’s machinery, he leaned on spontaneous interactions, spiritual symbolism, and simple emotional messaging.

His roadshows featured folded hands and temple visits, while his media soundbites – often dramatic, sometimes cryptic – went viral. The imagery helped shape his persona as Bihar’s unpredictable yet magnetic campaigner, drawing the attention of younger voters and disillusioned supporters.

Sympathy factor among Yadav voters

Tej Pratap’s goodwill among sections of Yadav voters remains one of the election’s most intriguing variables. In several villages, voters expressed sympathy towards him, arguing that his removal from RJD was unjust. To them, he represents a raw, unfiltered link to the Lalu Prasad Yadav legacy, distinct from Tejashwi’s modern political style.

Even a fractional shift in this loyal vote bank, analysts say, could unsettle the Mahagathbandhan’s calculations in close contests – a scenario that may define the final outcome.

Social media turns him into a wild card

Online, Tej Pratap has enjoyed a resurgence. His candid videos, spiritual posts, and fiery monologues have attracted significant traction on X, Instagram, and YouTube. His supporters hail him as an outsider challenging entrenched systems – not just outside his party, but within his own family.

One line that resonated widely was his assertion that “In democracy, the people are supreme, not any party or family” – a message that positioned him as a rebel with a cause. Whether online visibility translates into votes is unclear, but his digital footprint has undeniably shaped the narrative.

This is the first election in which the Yadav brothers have campaigned separately. While Tejashwi led a high-energy Mahagathbandhan campaign alongside Left and Congress leaders, Tej Pratap focused on rebuilding his personal base in Mahua. His refusal to align with Tejashwi and his criticism of Congress – including pointed remarks about Rahul Gandhi – amplified the family rift and cemented his stance as an independent actor.

Women voters lead record turnout

Bihar registered an impressive 67.13% voter turnout, with women outpacing men yet again. According to the Election Commission, 71.78% of women cast their votes compared with 62.98% of men. Districts including Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria and Gopalganj recorded gender gaps of more than 15 percentage points – a factor analysts say could influence many constituencies.

Will Tej Pratap tilt the final tally?

Tej Pratap Yadav is not in the race for the chief minister’s post, but his impact may be felt in the margins – the place where elections are often won or lost. His emotional appeal, rejection of dynasty politics, and viral digital presence have reshaped the conversation around Bihar’s power play.