The political landscape of Bihar is experiencing heightened tensions following controversial comments by Rajballabh Yadav, a former RJD MLA, concerning Tejashwi Yadav’s wife. This has ignited a political firestorm, with Yadav’s remarks on Tejashwi’s marriage and spouse leading to strong reactions and protests within the RJD.
During a public address, Rajballabh Yadav stated that Tejashwi Yadav made a strategic move by marrying outside of the Yadav community to secure votes. He argued that it would have been more advantageous for Tejashwi to marry within his own community. This has led to outrage within the RJD, with members expressing strong opposition to his statements.
Rajballabh Yadav’s recent release from jail has brought renewed attention to his political activities. He was acquitted by the Patna High Court in a case involving the alleged rape of a minor.
Yadav’s political career began with an independent victory in 1995. He later won as an RJD candidate in 2000 and held a ministerial position. However, he faced setbacks in subsequent elections.
In 2015, he was re-elected due to an alliance. In 2016, he was charged with the rape of a minor, which led to his conviction in 2018.
Following his conviction, Yadav was removed from the Bihar Assembly. A JDU candidate won the 2019 by-election, but Yadav’s wife, Vibha Devi, won the 2020 election as an RJD candidate.
Rajballabh Yadav was suspended from the RJD in 2016 and banned from contesting elections following his conviction. The Patna High Court acquitted him of the alleged rape charges. The alleged incident occurred in February 2016.
Tejashwi Yadav is married to Rachel Godinho, a resident of Chandigarh, and they wed in 2021. After their marriage, she adopted the name Rajshree Yadav. The RJD has strongly criticized Rajballabh Yadav’s comments concerning Tejashwi Yadav’s wife, leading to a significant political reaction.