A political storm unfolds over marriage, identity, and respect in Bihar’s charged landscape.
Who Is Rajshree Yadav and Where Does She Come From?
The Storm Around Tejashwi Yadav Marriage: Politics, Prejudice and Personal Lives – Tejashwi Yadav, the prominent Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, married Rachel Codinho in 2021. She was his batchmate at DPS RK Puram, a well-known school in Delhi. After marriage, Rachel changed her name to Rajshree Yadav, embracing her husband’s surname and cultural identity.
Rajshree hails from Rewari, Haryana, and is not originally from the Yadav community of Bihar. This detail has become the center of a political storm, as critics particularly former RJD leader Rajballabh Yadav, have questioned Tejashwi’s decision to marry outside his caste and state. The controversy escalated when Rajballabh made a deeply offensive remark, comparing Rajshree to a “jersey cow,” implying she was chosen for appearance or utility rather than community ties.
Despite the noise, Rajshree Yadav has maintained a low public profile, focusing on her family and staying away from political affairs. She and Tejashwi have two children – a daughter born in March 2023 and a son born in May 2025.
The Remark That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began when Rajballabh Yadav, speaking at a public meeting in Nawada, Bihar, criticized Tejashwi for marrying outside the Yadav community. His exact words “Was he getting a woman or a jersey cow?” were widely condemned as sexist, casteist, and deeply disrespectful.
Rajballabh’s comment wasn’t just a personal attack, it was a political provocation. He accused Tejashwi of using caste for votes while ignoring it in personal life. The remark quickly went viral, drawing backlash from RJD leaders, women’s groups, and civil society.
The RJD Women’s Wing responded with protests, burning Rajballabh’s effigy and demanding legal action. District president Renu Singh declared, “He insulted not just Rajshree, but all women. This will not be tolerated”. Senior RJD leader Kushal Yadav added that the comment hurt the sentiments of backward and Dalit communities, calling it an attack on their dignity.
Politics of Caste and Marriage in Bihar
Bihar’s politics has long been shaped by caste identities, especially among backward classes like the Yadavs. Leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav built their careers on empowering these communities. So when Tejashwi, a rising star in Bihar politics, chose to marry outside his caste, it became a symbolic flashpoint.
Critics argue that such decisions weaken caste solidarity, while supporters see it as a progressive step toward personal freedom and social harmony. The debate reflects a larger tension in Indian politics between traditional identity politics and modern individual choices.
Rajballabh Yadav’s remarks also reveal the ugly side of political rivalry. Once a close associate of Lalu Prasad, Rajballabh grew bitter after his brother was denied a party ticket. His comment is seen by many as a personal vendetta, disguised as ideological critique.
It’s worth noting that Rajballabh himself has a controversial past. He was jailed under the POCSO Act for nine years before being acquitted. His re-entry into public discourse through such remarks has raised questions about political ethics and accountability.
What This Means for Tejashwi and the Public
Tejashwi Yadav has not publicly responded to the controversy, but his party has stood firmly behind him and his wife. The RJD’s strong reaction shows that personal dignity and respect for women are non-negotiable, even in the rough world of politics.
For the public, this episode is a reminder of how private lives are often dragged into political battles. It also highlights the need for civil discourse, where leaders are judged by their policies and actions not by whom they marry.
Rajshree Yadav, by all accounts, is a private individual who has never sought the spotlight. Targeting her for political gain not only violates her privacy but also sets a dangerous precedent for how women are treated in public life.
As Bihar heads into elections, this controversy may fade but the questions it raises about caste, gender, and political decency will linger. And perhaps, it will encourage more voters to look beyond identity politics and demand respect, integrity, and progress from their leaders.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.