The Yadav Political Dynasty: An Overview
The family of Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has long dominated the state's political landscape, but recent internal conflicts have brought the dynasty into sharp focus. The powerful Yadav clan, which has governed Bihar for decades, now faces its most significant public challenge from within.
Recent Family Conflicts Rocking the RJD
The political turmoil began shortly after the Bihar election results last week when Rohini Acharya, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, announced she was distancing herself from both politics and her family. In a shocking revelation, she leveled abuse charges against her brother Tejashwi Yadav, who has emerged as one of Bihar's most prominent political figures.
This wasn't the only family conflict to surface publicly. Earlier, the RJD had expelled Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son, over his social media posts concerning an alleged extramarital affair. Following his expulsion, Tej Pratap severed ties with the family and launched his own political party, creating further divisions within the influential clan.
Complete Breakdown of the Yadav Family Tree
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, who married in 1973, have nine children - seven daughters and two sons. Each member has carved their own identity, both within and outside politics, making them one of Bihar's most powerful political families.
Misa Bharti (49), the eldest daughter, holds an MBBS degree and entered public life early. She served as MP of Pataliputra and married computer engineer Shailesh Kumar. Her name carries historical significance, inspired by the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) under which Lalu was jailed during India's Emergency. She has three children: Durga Bharti, Gauri Bharti, and Adhiraj Pratap.
Rohini Acharya (46), the second daughter, is also a doctor but found limited success in politics. Based in Singapore with her investment banker husband Samresh Singh, she gained recognition for donating her kidney to her father. The couple has three children: Ayana Singh, Aditya Singh, and Arihant Singh.
Chanda Singh, the third eldest sibling, married pilot Vikram Singh and has two children. She has largely maintained distance from public life, unlike many of her siblings.
Ragini Yadav, who studied engineering, married Rahul Yadav, a Samajwadi Party leader. The couple has two sons and maintains connections across political parties.
Hema Yadav, believed to have a BTech background, married Tej Yadav and prefers to avoid public attention. She has two sons whose names remain private.
Anushka 'Dhannu' Rao has academic interests in interior design and possibly law. She married former Congress MLA Chiranjeev Rao from Haryana and has three children: Nandini, Rajlaxmi, and Vikramaditya.
Raj Lakshmi, the youngest daughter, is an engineering graduate married to Samajwadi Party MLA and former MP Tej Pratap Singh Yadav. They have two children: Abhyudaya Pratap and Jai Harshvardhan.
Tej Pratap Yadav (37), the eldest son, has held various public roles including serving as a minister in Bihar. His political journey took a dramatic turn when Lalu expelled him from both the party and family citing irresponsible behavior. He is married to Aishwarya Rai, though their divorce proceedings are ongoing.
Tejashwi Yadav, the youngest child, has become one of the most politically active members of the family. He served as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and was touted as the CM face of the INDIA bloc in the 2025 Bihar elections. Married to Rachel Godinho (alias Rajshri Yadav), he has two children: Katyayani Yadav and Iraj Lalu Yadav.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The recent family conflicts have significant implications for Bihar's political future. Tejashwi Yadav's position as the political heir apparent faces challenges from both his siblings' public criticisms and the fragmentation of family support. The expulsion of Tej Pratap and Rohini Acharya's withdrawal from politics indicate deepening rifts within what was once a unified political force.
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi's family represents a complex network that extends across politics, professional careers, and interstate alliances. The current internal disputes threaten to undermine the family's political dominance in Bihar, potentially creating opportunities for rival political parties.
As the family navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome will likely shape Bihar's political landscape for years to come. The Yadav dynasty's ability to resolve internal conflicts while maintaining political relevance remains uncertain, making this one of the most closely watched political developments in contemporary Bihar politics.
