Patna: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Wednesday attended a Makar Sankranti ‘dahi-chura’ feast at the residence of his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, months after expelling him from the party and publicly severing personal ties. The visit has reignited speculation about a possible reconciliation within the politically influential Yadav family.
Tej Pratap Yadav, who floated the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) after his expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), had met his parents and younger brother Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday night and invited them to the traditional feast. However, only Lalu Prasad, who is in his late 70s and largely stays indoors due to multiple health issues, attended the event.
The former Bihar Chief Minister did not speak to the media, but his presence at Tej Pratap’s house triggered political and personal conjecture, especially as the RJD continues to recover from its disappointing performance in the recent Assembly elections.
Lalu Prasad had expelled Tej Pratap from the RJD in May last year, a day after the latter announced on social media that he had been in a long-term relationship despite being married and with his divorce case still pending. Prasad had then strongly criticised his elder son’s conduct, stating that his “irresponsible behaviour” went against family values and declaring that he would have no association with him.
Following his expulsion, Tej Pratap formed the JJD and fielded candidates in several Assembly constituencies. However, all the candidates forfeited their deposits, further diminishing his political standing.
Adding to the political buzz, Tej Pratap had on Tuesday attended a similar Makar Sankranti feast hosted by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, fuelling speculation about his possible entry into the BJP-led NDA. Neither Tej Pratap nor any NDA leader confirmed or denied these rumours.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was also among the prominent figures who attended the feast at Tej Pratap’s residence. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and several ministers attended a separate Makar Sankranti gathering hosted by senior JD(U) leader Ratnesh Sada.
Reacting to Lalu Prasad’s visit, Vijay Kumar Sinha said that festive occasions often help people set aside differences. Taking a swipe at Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who was absent from the event, Sinha advised him to “spend less time on vacations abroad,” referring to his prolonged absence from the state following the Assembly session in December.
