On July 9, 2025, Pappu Yadav remains a well-known name in Indian politics. His real name is Rajesh Ranjan. He is a politician from Bihar. His life is full of twists and turns. From a small village to the Lok Sabha, his story is inspiring yet controversial. This article tells the tale of Pappu Yadav’s life in simple words. It covers his early days, political career, family, and challenges. Let’s dive into his unique journey.
Early Life And Background
Pappu Yadav was born on December 24, 1967. He came from Khurda Karveli village in Madhepura, Bihar. His family owned land, making them well-off in the village. His grandfather loved him dearly. He gave him the nickname "Pappu." This name stuck with him forever. As a child, Pappu was energetic and bold. He studied in Supaul for his schooling. Later, he joined BN Mandal University in Madhepura. He earned a degree in political science. He also studied disaster management and human rights. These subjects shaped his thinking. They made him aware of people’s problems.
Pappu’s family had strong roots in their village. His maternal uncle, Arjun Singh, was a powerful man. Arjun ran a kind of local government in the area. He was known for his influence. Young Pappu looked up to him. Arjun introduced Pappu to a world of power. But this world had a dark side. It was linked to crime. Pappu started a group called Yuva Shakti. This group aimed to help youth. But some say it got involved in wrong activities. This gave Pappu a tough image early on.
Pappu Yadav Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Daughter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rajesh Ranjan |
| Nickname | Pappu Yadav |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Khurda Karveli village, Madhepura, Bihar |
| Family Background | From a well-off land-owning family; grandfather gave him the nickname Pappu |
| Education | Degree in Political Science (BN Mandal University); studied disaster management and human rights; LLB student at Magadh University (while in jail) |
| Wife | Ranjeet Ranjan (politician, former MP from Supaul) |
| Son | Sarthak Ranjan (T20 cricketer for Delhi) |
| Political Entry | 1990, won Singheshwar Assembly seat as an independent |
| Lok Sabha Wins | 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2014, 2024 (Purnia and Madhepura seats) |
| Political Parties | Independent, Samajwadi Party, Lok Janshakti Party, RJD, Jan Adhikar Party, Congress (merged in 2024) |
| Own Party | Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik), started in 2015 |
| Major Victory | Defeated Sharad Yadav in Madhepura (2014) |
| Controversies | Accused in Purulia arms drop case (1995); convicted in Ajit Sarkar murder case (2008, acquitted 2013); faced kidnapping and other charges |
| Public Work | Helped during 2008 Kosi floods, 2019 Patna floods, Bhuj earthquake; set up medical camps, distributed food |
| Books Written | Autobiography "Drohkaal ka Pathik" (2013); wrote about jail reforms |
| Recent Events (2024) | Received death threats (Lawrence Bishnoi gang); raised issues in Parliament; merged party with Congress; won Purnia seat as independent |
| Hobbies | Rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle |
| Public Image | Seen as a hero for the poor; known for bold speeches and actions |
Entry Into Politics
Pappu Yadav entered politics in 1990. He was just 23 years old. He ran for the Singheshwar Assembly seat in Bihar. He stood as an independent candidate. The Janata Dal party did not give him a ticket. Still, Pappu won the election. He defeated a strong rival by a big margin. This victory made people notice him. Even big leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav saw his potential. Lalu was a powerful leader in Bihar. Pappu supported him after the election. This was the start of his political journey.
In 1991, Pappu took a bigger step. He ran for the Purnia Lok Sabha seat. Again, he was independent. He won with a huge margin. This made him a star in the Kosi region. But the election faced issues. Some said there was cheating. The election was canceled. Still, Pappu’s name grew stronger. He showed he could win without a big party. His bold style attracted many supporters.
Rise to Fame
Pappu Yadav became a strong leader in Bihar. He won Lok Sabha elections in 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2014, and 2024. He represented Purnia and Madhepura seats. Sometimes he ran independently. Other times, he joined parties like Samajwadi Party, Lok Janshakti Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). But his success did not depend on parties. People voted for him because of his image. He was seen as a leader who fought for the poor.
In 2014, Pappu won the Madhepura seat. He defeated a big leader, Sharad Yadav. This was a huge moment. It showed his power in Bihar politics. His wife, Ranjeet Ranjan, also won from Supaul. She was with the Congress party. Together, they became a strong political couple. Their son, Sarthak Ranjan, plays T20 cricket for Delhi. The family is well-known in Bihar.
Challenges and Controversies
Pappu Yadav’s life was not always smooth. He faced many controversies. His early links to crime caused trouble. In 1995, he was accused of helping a criminal in the Purulia arms drop case. This was a big scandal. In 2008, he was convicted in a murder case. It was about the killing of a leader named Ajit Sarkar in 1998. Pappu got a life sentence. He spent many years in jail. But in 2013, the Patna High Court freed him. They said there was not enough proof.
In 2009, the court stopped him from running in elections. This was because of the murder case. RJD leader Lalu Yadav also expelled him from the party. Pappu’s mother, Shanti Priya, ran in his place. But she lost. Pappu faced other charges too. In 2017, he was arrested for causing trouble in Patna. He was also accused of kidnapping. But he was later cleared of these charges. Despite these issues, Pappu never gave up. He kept fighting elections and winning hearts.
Jan Adhikar Party and New Alliances
In 2015, Pappu started his own party. It was called Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik). He wanted to create a new path. But the party did not do well. It got very few votes in the Bihar elections. Pappu faced a setback. In 2019, he ran from Madhepura but lost. His wife also lost her seat. This was a tough time for them.
In 2020, Pappu tried something new. He formed the People’s Democratic Alliance. This group included small parties like Bahujan Mukti Party and Azad Samaj Party. He worked with leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan. This showed his ability to connect with others. In 2024, Pappu made a big move. He merged his party with the Indian National Congress. He ran as an independent from Purnia and won. He defeated strong rivals. This proved his strength once again.
Personal Life and Public Work
Pappu Yadav’s personal life is interesting. He fell in love with Ranjeet Ranjan, a Sikh woman. He saw her playing tennis in Patna. Their love story is famous in Bihar. They got married and have a son, Sarthak. Ranjeet is also a politician. She served as an MP from Supaul. The couple is known for their bold and caring nature.
Pappu is not just a politician. He cares about people. In 2019, when Patna faced floods, he helped a lot. He waded through water to give food and milk to people. He set up medical camps. He gave first-aid kits and tested people for dengue. During the 2008 Kosi floods, he and Ranjeet worked hard to help victims. Pappu also helped during the Bhuj earthquake. His work earned him praise.
While in jail, Pappu wrote books. His autobiography, *Drohkaal ka Pathik*, came out in 2013. In it, he talked about his life and struggles. He also wrote about the legal system and jail reforms. He studied law in jail. He became an LLB student at Magadh University. Pappu used his time in jail to learn and grow.
Recent Events
In 2024, Pappu faced a new challenge. He got death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This happened after he spoke against the gang. He asked for better security from the government. He also raised issues in Parliament. For example, he questioned the Health Minister about a WHO report. He spoke about fitness issues in India. His bold speeches keep him in the news.
Pappu also made headlines for his views. He said the BJP could not win alone in West Bengal. He supported Rahul Gandhi as a strong leader. He wore a “ReNEET” t-shirt in Parliament to protest exam issues. These actions show he speaks his mind.
Legacy And Impact
Pappu Yadav’s life is a mix of courage and controversy. He started as a village boy. He became a powerful MP. His journey is not easy. He faced jail, court cases, and political fights. Yet, he never stopped. His supporters call him a hero. They say he fights for the poor. Others see him as a strongman with a dark past. But no one can ignore him.
In Purnia, people chant his name. They say, “Purnea ka MP kaisa ho, Pappu Yadav jaisa ho!” This means they want an MP like Pappu. His energy and passion make him different. He rides a Harley Davidson in his free time. He connects with people easily. His story is like a movie—full of drama, action, and heart.
Conclusion
Pappu Yadav’s life is a lesson in resilience. He rose from a village to the national stage. He faced challenges but kept going. His work for flood victims and jail reforms shows his caring side. His political wins prove his strength. At 57, he is still active. His merger with Congress in 2024 shows he is ready for new battles. Pappu Yadav is more than a politician. He is a symbol of never giving up. His story inspires many in Bihar and beyond.