Politics, drama, and dynasty in India: Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar battle for Bihar

Nitish Kumar, the current chief minister of Bihar, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, the former chief minister, are bitter political rivals today — but once upon a time, they were best friends and allies. Their political fortunes, like Siamese twins, have long mirrored each other’s rise and fall — whether in matters of health or power.

Now, in a dramatic chapter that could only unfold in Bihar politics, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav has publicly and emphatically disowned his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav — politically and personally. This came after Tej Pratap reportedly posted pictures with his “friend” Anushka Yadav, claiming he had been in a relationship with her for 12 years — the same period during which he was married to Aishwarya Rai (from whom he is currently seeking a divorce). He later claimed his social media accounts were hacked and denied posting the pictures.