Pappu Yadav, whose real name is Rajesh Ranjan, is a name that evokes both admiration and controversy in the political corridors of Bihar. Known for his fearless speeches, populist stance, and grassroots appeal, Pappu Yadav has carved a unique identity in Indian politics. From being a powerful youth leader to forming his political party, Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik), and later merging it with the Congress ahead of the 2024 elections, Pappu Yadav’s journey is both tumultuous and inspiring.
Quick Info:-
REAL NAME | RAJESH RANJAN ALIAS PAPPU YADAV |
DATE OF BIRTH | 24 Dec 1967 |
AGE ( AS OF 2024) | 57 YEARS |
BIRTHPLACE | PURNIA |
FATHER | Shri Chandra Narayan Prasad Yadav |
MOTHER | Smt. Shanti Priya |
WIFE | RANJITA RANJAN |
SON | SARTHAK RANJAN |
DAUGHTER | PRAKRITI RANJAN |
NATIONALITY | INDIAN |
RELIGION | HINDUISM |
POLITICAL PARTY | INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS |
CONSTITUENCY | MADHEPURA |
EDUCATION | GRADUATE |
PROFESSION | POLITICIAN |
MARITAL STATUS | MARRIED |
Early Life and Education
Pappu Yadav was born on December 24, 1967, in Khurda Karveli, a small village in Purnia district, Bihar. Hailing from a humble background, Yadav faced economic hardships during his formative years, which later shaped his empathetic political outlook. He pursued his education at Patna University, where he became actively involved in student politics—a breeding ground for many prominent leaders in Bihar.
His leadership qualities, charismatic oratory skills, and fearlessness quickly made him popular among students. During his university years, he was deeply influenced by socialist leaders like Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Personal Life
Pappu Yadav is married to Ranjeet Ranjan, a seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament from Supaul, Bihar. The couple is known for their active political engagements and public service. Together, they form a powerful political pair with considerable clout in Bihar. Their ideological similarities and joint public appearances often symbolize unity, gender equality in leadership, and a shared vision for Bihar’s transformation.
Entry into Politics
Pappu Yadav began his formal political career in the late 1980s, securing a seat in the Bihar Legislative Assembly from Singheshwar in 1990. His early political activity was characterized by vigorous campaigning, a stance that opposed elitism, and a focus on the concerns of marginalized and backward communities. Transitioning to national politics, he won the Purnia Lok Sabha seat in 1991, becoming one of the youngest MPs, at age 24. Over the following three decades, Yadav represented several constituencies, including Madhepura and Purnia, frequently changing political affiliations while sustaining his influence in the Kosi-Seemanchal region.
Political Affiliations and Shifts
Pappu Yadav’s political career has been marked by affiliations with multiple parties. Initially associated with the Janata Dal, he moved to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Prasad Yadav. However, ideological differences and personal conflicts led to his expulsion from the RJD in 2015. In response, he founded his own party, the Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik), aimed at giving voice to the voiceless and focusing on corruption, lawlessness, and youth empowerment. Though his party didn’t win a large number of seats, it gained significant traction among young voters and the backward classes. In 2024, before the crucial Lok Sabha Elections, Pappu Yadav merged his party with the Indian National Congress, positioning himself as a key alliance builder and a strong face in the Seemanchal region.
2014 Lok Sabha election
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Pappu Yadav made a remarkable political comeback by winning the Madhepura constituency on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. Despite being sidelined by many in mainstream politics and facing significant legal and political hurdles in the years prior, he secured a massive victory against Sharad Yadav, a veteran leader and key figure in the Janata Dal (United). Pappu Yadav’s win was seen as a political upset and a testament to his enduring grassroots support in the Kosi region. His campaign focused heavily on local development, justice for the backward classes, and youth empowerment, which resonated with the voters. The victory not only revived his political career but also reestablished his relevance in Bihar’s changing political dynamics, marking him as a force to reckon with once again.
2019 Lok Sabha election
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Pappu Yadav contested as a candidate from his own party, the Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik), after being expelled from the RJD. He contested from the Madhepura constituency, a seat he had previously won, and faced stiff competition from the Mahagathbandhan-backed RJD candidate Sharad Yadav and the NDA’s Dinesh Chandra Yadav of JD(U). Despite a high-voltage campaign and strong grassroots support, Pappu Yadav finished third, securing over 91,000 votes but falling short of victory. Though he didn’t win, his vote share reflected his continued influence and personal connection with the people, especially in the Seemanchal and Kosi regions. The result also highlighted the challenges faced by independent and regional leaders in an increasingly polarized electoral landscape dominated by national alliances.
2019 Lok Sabha election
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Pappu Yadav, contesting as an independent candidate, achieved a significant victory in the Purnia constituency of Bihar. He secured 567,556 votes, accounting for 47.46% of the total vote share, and defeated the Janata Dal (United) candidate, Santosh Kumar, who garnered 543,709 votes (45.47%), by a margin of 23,847 votes. This win marked a notable comeback for Yadav, especially after his third-place finish in the 2019 elections from Madhepura. His victory underscored his enduring grassroots appeal and his ability to mobilize support independently, without the backing of major political parties. Yadav’s campaign resonated with voters through its emphasis on local issues, development, and his track record of social activism, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. His success in Purnia reaffirmed his position as a formidable force in Bihar’s political landscape
Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik)
In 2015, following his expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Pappu Yadav launched his own political outfit—the Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik)—with the aim of creating a platform focused on youth empowerment, anti-corruption, and social justice. The party quickly gained attention for its aggressive stance against the ruling establishment and its promise to bring the voices of the marginalized to the forefront. Though it did not win many seats in the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, the party built a strong base in the Kosi and Seemanchal regions. Pappu Yadav’s personal popularity, grassroots presence, and bold rhetoric helped the party remain relevant, especially among first-time voters and backward communities. The Jan Adhikar Party served as both a symbol of his independent political identity and a vehicle for challenging dynastic and caste-driven politics in Bihar.
Pappu Yadav Controversies
Pappu Yadav’s political career is intertwined with several significant controversies. He has faced serious criminal charges, including a murder conviction that was later overturned, a legal battle that has heavily influenced his political path, and public perception. Additionally, Yadav is known for making controversial statements, which have frequently ignited public debate and drawn criticism, contributing to his image as a polarizing figure in Indian politics. His name was also mentioned in connection with the Purulia arms drop case.
**Questions:**
1. **Where was Pappu Yadav born?**
– Pappu Yadav was born in Khurda Karveli, a small village in Purnia district, Bihar.
2. **What influenced Pappu Yadav’s political outlook?**
– Papp socialist leaders like Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad Yadav influenced Pappu Yadav’s political outlook.
3. **What led to Pappu Yadav’s expulsion from the RJD?**
– Pappu Yadav’s expulsion from the RJD was due to ideological differences and personal conflicts.
4. **Belonging to a humble background, Pappu Yadav founded his own political party. Which party is this?**