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Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav made a striking declaration on Friday, saying he would “choose death over returning to the RJD”, the party founded by his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, from which he was expelled a few months ago. The outspoken leader, now heading his own outfit — the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) — is contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly election from Mahua constituency, the same seat where he began his political career in 2015.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Tej Pratap dismissed any possibility of reconciliation with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and asserted that principles and self-respect mattered more to him than political power.

“I would choose death over returning to that party. I am not hungry for power. Principles and self-respect are supreme for me,” he said.

He added that his priority was to work for the people, emphasizing that his connection with Mahua went beyond politics.

“The biggest thing for me is to work for the people. I sincerely do that and people love and trust me. I have been attached to this constituency since long before I entered politics,” he said, claiming that many locals wanted him back as their representative.

Tej Pratap, who had previously represented Mahua after his 2015 victory but later lost the seat, appeared confident about reclaiming it this time. He also brushed aside the challenge posed by the current RJD MLA, Mukesh Raushan, who is known to be close to Tejashwi Yadav.

“People tell me they were happy when I was their MLA because I was always available to them. They say they have nobody to turn to now,” he remarked.

While filing his nomination papers, Tej Pratap carried a photograph of his late grandmother Marichiya Devi, calling her his source of inspiration.

“She was the one whose blessings helped my father rise in politics,” he said.

When asked if he sought blessings from his parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, both former Bihar chief ministers, Tej Pratap admitted that they hadn’t spoken in a while but added, “I know their blessings are with me.”

On the subject of his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav — who has been declared the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate — Tej Pratap offered a mix of affection and skepticism.

“Of course, as a younger brother he used to have my blessings. I could not have unleashed the Sudarshan Chakra on him,” he joked, referring to his earlier analogy where he likened himself to Lord Krishna and Tejashwi to Arjuna.

But he seemed unimpressed by Tejashwi’s elevation as the opposition’s CM face.

“It is politicians’ trait to make announcements of various kinds. But power is enjoyed only by one who gets the people’s blessings,” he said pointedly.

Despite his fallout with the RJD, Tej Pratap maintained his criticism of the BJP-RSS alliance, saying the people of Bihar would “no longer be deceived by their nefarious designs.”

Talking about contesting under his new party, the Janshakti Janta Dal, he said little had changed for him personally:

“Nothing is different. The people of Mahua are my family. I am contesting elections under my own party, the symbol of which is the blackboard.”

During the interview, he also drew attention to an elderly companion accompanying him — an anonymous “freedom fighter” who had reportedly seen Mahatma Gandhi in person.

“Somebody who has seen Mahatma Gandhi with his own eyes is travelling with me. What else do I need?” he said with pride.

In a parting shot at political strategist Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, Tej Pratap dismissed him as a mere businessman.

“He is at best a trader. He does campaign work for parties by assembling resources. That’s what he is doing now,” he said.

Tej Pratap Yadav’s fiery remarks once again underline the deepening rift within Bihar’s most prominent political family. While his brother Tejashwi continues to lead the RJD and the INDIA bloc’s campaign, Tej Pratap’s independent challenge from Mahua could introduce a personal dimension to the upcoming state election — one marked by family rivalry, political symbolism, and questions of loyalty versus self-respect.