Manthan 2025- News 24’s annual conclave Manthan 2025 began on Friday, October 3, with the stage set for a face-off among Bihar’s top political leaders. Purnea MP Pappu Yadav graced the event after Jan Suraaj Party Chief Prashant Kishor. In a detailed conversation with Executive Editor Rajeev Ranjan, Purnea MP Pappu Yadav spoke extensively about the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections and INDIA alliance’s focus on key issues.
Pappu Yadav denies rift with Tejashwi
Yadav asserted that he is not against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, contrary to what some reports claim. He stated that he is not under anyone’s patronage and has never sought anyone’s support. Yadav clearly denied reports suggesting he is backed by any political leader. When countered on the patronage claim, with Ranjan asking wasn’t Lalu supporting him during the politics of the 1990s, Yadav responded that he was, in fact the one opposing the RJD supremo in 1991. He added that he supported Lalu for six months, again rejecting claims of being under anyone’s patronage.
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This comes amid the ongoing tussle between Pappu and Tejashwi, a conflict that is no longer hidden from anyone. Once part of the same political camp, the two leaders now frequently exchange harsh statements against each other. Pappu Yadav, who held significant influence in the Kosi and Seemanchal regions, was considered one of Lalu’s trusted allies in the 1990s.
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However, his dissatisfaction grew over time, particularly after Tejashwi began gaining stronghold. Feeling sidelined, Yadav eventually distanced himself from the RJD after 2004 and went on to form his own party, the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP). He attempted to join the Grand Alliance during the 2015 and 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, but reports suggest that Tejashwi opposed his inclusion
The dispute further intensified over the Purnea seat, which Yadav considered his stronghold. The conflict became public when Tejashwi Yadav gave the RJD ticket to Bima Bharti for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Pappu contested independently.
When asked whether he would support Tejashwi if he is announced as the CM candidate, Yadav avoided giving a direct answer. “My leader has clearly stated that there is no issue of the CM face, and the focus is on ensuring the INDIA alliance wins,” said Yadav.
Speaking further, Yadav stated, "I have always been with Mulayam Yadav. But when Mulayam went with Lalu Yadav, I separated from him.”
Also Read: Pappu Yadav at News 24’s Manthan 2025 – ‘Won 5 out of 7 elections as an independent’