In an unusual and poignant moment during the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, former Chief Minister Rabri Deviextended her heartfelt best wishes to both of her sons, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, who are contesting as political rivals in this year’s polls.

Speaking to reporters, Rabri Devi said, “Dono beta ke shubhkamna hai (Best wishes to both my sons).” When asked specifically about Tej Pratap Yadav, who is contesting from Mahua under his newly-formed Janshakti Janata Dal party, she added, “He is standing on his own two feet and contesting the polls. Ek maa hai (I’m a mother), my best wishes to both my sons.” Her remarks captured the delicate balance of maternal affection and political pragmatism as both siblings face off in the electoral arena.

Rabri Devi, who is also a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), made these remarks on Thursday morning, coinciding with the first phase of voting across 121 constituencies in 18 districts of Bihar. She, along with her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav, and son Tejashwi Yadav, who is the INDIA bloc’s Chief Ministerial face, cast her vote in Patna, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation. In addition to extending blessings to her sons, she appealed to the people of Bihar to turn out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights.

A Sibling Rivalry in Bihar Politics

The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 have been marked by an extraordinary family dynamic: two brothers competing from rival parties. Tejashwi Yadav, representing the RJD, is contesting from the Raghopur constituency and is leading the charge as the coalition’s chief ministerial candidate. His younger brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, is contesting from Mahua on the ticket of his newly-established party, Janshakti Janata Dal.

Tej Pratap Yadav’s political journey over the past year has been turbulent. He was expelled from the RJD on May 25 for a period of six years due to what the party described as “irresponsible behaviour.” The decision followed a controversial social media post from his Facebook account that sparked widespread criticism. The post alleged that Tej Pratap was involved in a long-term relationship with another woman, drawing scrutiny given his high-profile marriage in 2018 to Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai.

Despite the political fallout, Tej Pratap appears to be charting an independent course with his new party. Rabri Devi’s remarks reflect a mother’s support that transcends political affiliations, emphasizing familial bonds in a heated electoral contest.

Support from Family and Party Members

Rabri Devi’s support for both her sons was echoed by other family members and party colleagues. Rohini Acharya, a prominent RJD leader, also extended her blessings to Tej Pratap Yadav, highlighting the familial and emotional undertones that accompany this unique electoral rivalry. “My blessings are with him. Do you not bless your siblings?” Acharya remarked, underscoring the broader acceptance of intra-family political competition within Bihar’s political landscape.

The First Phase of Bihar Elections

Voting for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections commenced at 7:00 am on Thursday, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts, with around 3.75 crore eligible voters participating. The total assembly consists of 243 seats, with the second phase of voting scheduled for November 11, and results expected on November 14.

The election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with key constituencies featuring high-profile candidates and intense competition between the NDA, led by the BJP-JD(U) alliance, and the Mahagathbandhan/INDIA bloc, led by the RJD and Congress. The presence of two brothers in opposing camps has added an additional layer of public interest and media scrutiny, offering voters a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics that intersect with political campaigns.

Motherhood Amid Political Rivalry

Rabri Devi’s remarks underscore a rare moment of maternal perspective in the midst of political tension. While political allegiances are typically rigid and uncompromising during elections, her emphasis on being a mother first, rather than a partisan leader, offers a humanizing element to the electoral contest. It also highlights the complex intersection of family and politics in Bihar, where political dynasties often shape the course of regional governance.

Her words, “Ek maa hai”, resonate beyond mere sentiment; they reflect the dual role she continues to play as both a political figure and a parent navigating the challenging terrain of intra-family competition in a democratic framework.

Looking Ahead

As the elections progress toward the second phase, the political contest between Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav is expected to remain a focal point. Analysts note that the rivalry may influence voter perceptions, particularly among constituencies with historical ties to the Yadav family. Rabri Devi’s balanced approach in publicly supporting both her sons is likely aimed at maintaining familial harmony while reinforcing the legitimacy of each brother’s political ambitions.

In conclusion, Rabri Devi’s gesture of extending blessings to both Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav serves as a poignant reminder that familial bonds often endure even amid political rivalry. As voters head to the polls in Bihar, the Yadav family dynamic adds a unique narrative to an already high-stakes electoral contest, highlighting the personal dimensions that continue to shape political outcomes in India’s largest democracy.