In Bihar’s political theatre, symbols often speak louder than speeches, and timing can matter more than intent. Over the past week, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, has shown a sharp grasp of this unwritten code, using ritual, optics and carefully calibrated interactions to reposition himself in a space many believed had closed for him.

The trigger was a seemingly routine dahi-chura feast marking Makar Sankranti. Yet the order of meetings, the guest list and the silences between them revealed a far more deliberate design. Tej Pratap began by reaching out to leaders of the ruling NDA, most notably by visiting Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha’s residence in Patna on January 13. Publicly framed as a cultural exchange, the interaction carried unmistakable political signalling. Sinha spoke of shared traditions and “positive energy,” while deftly avoiding any commitment when asked about Tej Pratap’s future political plans. Tej Pratap, too, maintained studied ambiguity, describing his presence as a matter of ritual rather than intent—an evasion that preserved leverage while keeping both sides attentive.

By evening, the tone shifted inward. Tej Pratap visited his mother Rabri Devi’s residence, inviting family members to his own feast. A social media post followed, highlighting blessings from his parents and time spent with his niece—an attempt to soften memories of estrangement. The symbolism peaked the next day when Lalu Prasad himself attended Tej Pratap’s programme. No statements were issued, and Tejashwi Yadav stayed away, but Lalu’s presence alone sent a message that could not be ignored.

The optics grew richer still with the attendance of Bihar governor Arif Mohammed Khan and JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary. While festival visits by dignitaries are not unusual, the convergence of figures from across the political spectrum underlined how Tej Pratap has placed himself at an unusual crossroads.

This renewed visibility stands in sharp contrast to his recent political isolation. Once seen as a potential heir alongside Tejashwi, Tej Pratap’s standing collapsed after a personal controversy last year led to his expulsion from the RJD and a public family rupture. Electoral defeat and the launch of a marginal party only reinforced his sidelining. Whatever relevance he retains today stems largely from lineage rather than organisational strength.

Yet that inherited relevance has acquired fresh tactical value. With the RJD struggling to regain momentum after electoral setbacks and internal strain, Tej Pratap appears to have sensed an opening—not to reclaim leadership, but to reinsert himself as an unavoidable factor. His outreach extended across the NDA spectrum, with invitations sent to senior leaders from multiple parties. The aim was visibility, not ideology.

What emerges is not an imminent political switch, but a calculated exercise in leverage. By signalling access to the NDA, Tej Pratap reminds the RJD that his marginalisation is not irreversible. By invoking family imagery, he hints at the possibility—however limited—of reconciliation. By drawing constitutional and ruling-party figures into the same space, he projects relevance beyond factional lines.

Crucially, he has avoided decisive moves that would end this ambiguity. He has neither joined the NDA nor apologised to the RJD or sought reinstatement. Instead, he has positioned himself as a floating variable—useful to rivals, uncomfortable for family, and visible to all.

This is less a comeback than a recalibration. Through symbolism rather than numbers, Tej Pratap has altered the narrative around himself. In Bihar’s politics of lineage and loyalty, such moments rarely fade quietly. Whether this ambiguity solidifies into strategy or dissolves into spectacle will determine if this repositioning leaves a lasting imprint.