Patna: Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) chief Tej Pratap Yadav has raised concerns about threats to his life following the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ approval of Y-Plus category security for him. The decision, which upgrades his protection to include a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) team, comes amid heightened political tensions in Bihar as the state heads into the 2025 assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Patna on Saturday, Tej Pratap Yadav explicitly stated, “My security has been increased because there is a threat to my life. People will get me killed. There are many enemies.”

The announcement of the enhanced security comes after security agencies submitted a detailed threat assessment to the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighting potential risks to the former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader. The ministry’s approval of Y-Plus category security reflects the seriousness of the threat perception, which has been corroborated by intelligence inputs and ongoing political rivalries in the state.

Political Context and Electoral Stakes

Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, has been a prominent figure in Bihar politics for years. However, following internal disputes within the RJD, he was expelled from the party and separated from the family faction led by his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav. Subsequently, Tej Pratap launched his own political outfit, the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), and is now contesting the Bihar assembly elections from the Mahua constituency.

The Mahua seat went to polls in the first phase of the elections on November 6, with Tej Pratap facing stiff competition from multiple candidates, including NDA candidate Sanjay Kumar Singh of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Jan Suraaj candidate Indrajeet Pradhan. Additionally, Mukesh Kumar Raushan, fielded by Tejashwi Yadav under the RJD banner, was also in the fray, making the contest particularly high-stakes and politically charged.

In this context, Tej Pratap’s security concerns are heightened by both political rivalries and the volatile nature of Bihar’s electoral landscape, where high-profile leaders are often considered vulnerable to threats. His public statements about life threats underline the intensity of the situation and the perceived need for robust security measures.

Enhanced Security Measures

Under the Y-Plus category, Tej Pratap Yadav will now receive protection from a CRPF team, which includes armed personnel trained to respond to potential threats and ensure his safety during both public appearances and private movements. The decision to upgrade his security was made following intelligence inputs that indicated a credible risk to his life. Security officials emphasized that the enhanced cover is a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incidents and to allow him to carry out political and public activities without endangering his personal safety.

Tej Pratap Yadav himself confirmed that the security upgrade was a direct response to threats and expressed concern over the number of adversaries he faces in the political arena. His remarks were interpreted as an acknowledgment of the heightened risk environment surrounding him, given his departure from the RJD and the formation of his own political party.

Recent Public Encounters and Political Visibility

Earlier this week, Tej Pratap drew attention when he was seen greeting BJP MP Ravi Kishan at Patna airport. The brief encounter led to speculation about possible political alignments or negotiations. However, Tej Pratap clarified that the meeting was purely coincidental. “It is a coincidence that I am meeting BJP MP Ravi Kishan again after meeting him yesterday,” he told reporters, emphasizing that the encounter did not signify any political alliance or strategic understanding.

His visibility in public spaces, including campaign events and media interactions, has likely contributed to the heightened security measures. As the Bihar assembly elections approach, Tej Pratap remains a high-profile political figure whose safety is closely monitored by both state and central security agencies.

Historical and Political Significance

The security upgrade for Tej Pratap Yadav comes at a time when Bihar’s political landscape is witnessing intense competition, particularly among factions of the Yadav family, the RJD, and the broader NDA coalition. The historical influence of the Yadav family in Bihar politics adds complexity to the security environment, as rival political actors may pose risks in the charged electoral atmosphere.

The Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to approve Y-Plus security underscores the central government’s proactive approach to safeguarding political leaders facing credible threats. In the Indian security framework, Y-Plus category protection involves multiple layers, including CRPF personnel, armed escorts, and coordination with local law enforcement to ensure uninterrupted safety during both official and personal movements.

Implications for the Bihar Assembly Elections

Tej Pratap’s security concerns are not only a personal matter but also have broader implications for the political dynamics in Bihar. As the Mahua constituency becomes a closely contested battleground, the presence of threats and enhanced security measures adds a layer of complexity to campaign strategies. Candidates operating under security constraints must navigate public appearances carefully while ensuring voter engagement, making the management of safety a key component of electoral planning.

Moreover, Tej Pratap’s public statements about potential threats may also influence public perception, projecting him as a leader under pressure yet determined to continue political activities despite risks. Such narratives can impact voter sentiment, campaign messaging, and media coverage in a competitive electoral environment.

Security Assessment and Intelligence Inputs

According to reports cited by local media, the threat assessment submitted to the Home Ministry highlighted potential risks emanating from political adversaries, rival factions, and situational threats linked to his electoral campaign. The intelligence inputs were considered credible enough to warrant Y-Plus category security, reflecting a systematic approach to threat evaluation and preventive measures.

The CRPF, in coordination with state police, is tasked with implementing the security arrangements, monitoring Tej Pratap’s movements, and responding to any potential threats promptly. These measures are aimed at preventing attacks and ensuring the uninterrupted conduct of political campaigns in accordance with democratic norms.

Conclusion

The upgrading of Tej Pratap Yadav’s security to Y-Plus category underscores the precarious environment faced by high-profile political leaders during critical election periods. With credible threats to his life and the volatile political climate in Bihar, the intervention by the Ministry of Home Affairs and deployment of CRPF personnel reflect the importance of safeguarding democratic processes while protecting individuals at risk.

As Tej Pratap campaigns in the Mahua constituency and navigates Bihar’s complex political terrain, the enhanced security measures provide a crucial shield against potential threats, enabling him to continue public engagements and electoral activities safely. His public acknowledgment of the risks, combined with proactive measures by central and state authorities, highlights the intersection of politics, personal safety, and governance in contemporary India, particularly in high-stakes regional elections.

The situation also underscores the broader challenges of managing political rivalries, familial splits, and electoral competitiveness, all of which contribute to the risk profile of political figures. With the Bihar assembly elections underway, Tej Pratap’s Y-Plus security arrangement ensures that he remains protected while actively participating in the democratic process, illustrating the critical role of security frameworks in maintaining stability and safeguarding political leaders in India.