Lucknow, April 30: Tej Bahadur Yadav, a former Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, is challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in the Lok Sabha elections 2019. His is fighting on the Samajwadi Party ticket, and has appealed Congress candidate Ajay Rai to withdraw his nomination in a bid to prevent the division of anti-BJP votes. Ex-BSF Jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav Wants PM Modi to Answer 'Why No Inquiry Ordered Into Pulwama Terror Attack'

Who is Tej Bahadur Yadav? All About The Ex-BSF Jawan Contesting Against PM Modi in Varanasi

Tej Bahadur, who served 21 years in the BSF, was expelled in 2017 months after he went public with a live video showing the alleged substandard food being served to the forces. He was charged for "indiscipline" and his duties terminated indefinitely.

His last designation in the BSF was of a constable, and his final posting was in the 29th battalion, operating in Jammu & Kashmir.

Throughout the inquiry conducted against him by the BSF, Tej Bahadur stood by his allegations and demanding a probe to ascertain their truth. After being expelled, he launched a campaign to expose the alleged corruption within the armed forces.

Tej Bahadur's elder brother and nephew are still serving in the Army, whereas, his grandfather was a freedom fighter and fought for the Indian National Army (INA) of Subhash Chandra Bose.

Tej Bahadur was hit by a major tragedy earlier this year, after his 22-year-old son Rohit was found dead inside their house in Haryana's Rewari on January 18.

Despite the personal loss, Tej Bahadur continued his campaign against the Narendra Modi government, whom he accused of paying only lip service to the cause of soldiers, farmers and unemployed youth. "More soldiers have committed suicide in the last two years than those killed in cross-border firing or terrorist strikes," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2019 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).