Patna witnessed a significant political and family gathering on Wednesday. RJD chief Lalu Prasad made a surprise appearance at the Makar Sankranti feast hosted by his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav. This event marked a notable moment in their strained relationship.
Family Reunion with a Twist
Lalu Prasad arrived at Tej Pratap's residence to participate in the traditional "chura-dahi" feast. He wore black glasses following recent eye surgery. The RJD leader looked somewhat uneasy under the bright sun but stayed long enough to enjoy the meal with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
Before leaving the venue, Lalu Prasad made a brief statement to the press. He expressed no anger towards Tej Pratap. "Tej Pratap has my blessings; he will now stay with the family," Lalu declared. This comment suggested a possible reconciliation after months of public estrangement.
Tejashwi's Conspicuous Absence
The younger son, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, did not attend the feast. His absence became a major talking point throughout the event. Tej Pratap did not hold back his feelings about his brother's no-show.
"He might be surrounded by 'Jaichands' (traitors). That's why he is not coming," Tej Pratap told reporters. He further suggested that Tejashwi should merge his RJD with the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), the party Tej Pratap formed after his expulsion from the family.
Background of the Family Rift
Lalu Prasad had publicly severed ties with Tej Pratap in May last year. He cited his son's "irresponsible behaviour" as the reason. This decision followed controversy over a viral photograph of Tej Pratap with a woman on social media.
The family completely cut off contact with Tej Pratap after this incident. An angered Tej Pratap then launched his own political party. He fielded candidates against the opposition alliance in the recent Bihar assembly elections, though his party lost all contests.
Political Dimensions of the Feast
Several NDA ministers and leaders attended the Makar Sankranti celebration. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and JD(U) minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary were among the prominent guests.
"We may have differences with his actions, behaviour and policies, but we are together so far as promoting the 'Sanatan' culture is concerned," Sinha told reporters. He remained silent when questioned about Tej Pratap potentially joining the NDA alliance.
Choudhary revealed that Tej Pratap personally invited him to the event. "Politics must not come in the way of a social event," the JD(U) minister stated. He declined to comment on whether Tej Pratap might join the NDA, saying that decision rests with the party high command.
Tej Pratap's Saffron Statement
Tej Pratap chose a saffron-colored kurta to welcome his guests. This sartorial choice did not go unnoticed in political circles. The color traditionally associated with Hindu nationalism added another layer of symbolism to the gathering.
His maternal uncle, Sadhu Yadav, also attended the feast. Sadhu Yadav has had strained relations with the Lalu family in the past. He expressed hope that everything would end on a positive note for the family.
Political Reactions and Analysis
RJD leader and former minister Shivanand Tiwari offered sharp observations about the event. "Today's feast is immersed in the colours of politics," Tiwari remarked. "If a person appears completely drenched in this colour, it is Tej Pratap, while Tejashwi is completely out of sight."
Tiwari further noted the changed atmosphere at the family's traditional gathering place. "There is silence at 10, Circular Road," he said, referring to Rabri Devi's residence. "The place where RJD workers from every corner of Bihar once used to arrive looks entirely deserted."
The Makar Sankranti feast thus served multiple purposes. It functioned as a family gathering, a political event, and a public stage for various messages. While Lalu Prasad's attendance suggested possible family reconciliation, Tejashwi's absence and Tej Pratap's comments indicated that underlying tensions persist.
The presence of NDA leaders added cross-party dimensions to what might otherwise have been a private family celebration. All eyes now remain on how these familial and political dynamics will unfold in coming weeks, particularly with Bihar's political landscape constantly evolving.
