PATNA: A surprise meeting between Janshakti Janata Dal founder Tej Pratap Yadav and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Kishan at Patna airport on Friday has set political circles abuzz with speculation about a potential alliance during the heated Bihar Assembly elections.
Airport Encounter Sparks Political Buzz
The two politicians were approached by journalists as they exited the airport terminal after conducting separate election campaigns across the state. The timing of their meeting, amid intense election campaigning, immediately drew attention from political observers and media alike.
Tej Pratap Yadav, who was expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal by his father and party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, sought to downplay the significance of the encounter. "It is just that I am meeting Ravi Kishan for the first time," Yadav told reporters. "Of course, he and I are on the same page when it comes to our devotion to Lord Shiva. Both of us wear the 'tika' on our foreheads."
Political Ambiguity and Shared Ideology
When journalists pressed Yadav about the possibility of aligning with the BJP, the former RJD leader avoided giving a direct response. Instead, he stated, "I will be with anyone who removes unemployment." This ambiguous statement has left room for interpretation about his political intentions.
BJP MP and actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan defended their meeting, emphasizing Yadav's growing popularity. "It is his heart that is earning people's praise. Anything can happen," Kishan remarked, adding significant weight to the speculation. "BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi keep doors open for all devotees of Bholenath, who are devoted to selfless service and not in politics because of a personal agenda."
Election Season Dynamics
When questioned about Yadav's expulsion from RJD, Kishan tactfully declined to comment on what he termed "personal controversy." The BJP MP added, "Now, do not ask me such questions. These are election times. Rest assured, though, that the people of Bihar are wise enough to discern right from wrong."
Both leaders had been actively campaigning in different parts of Bihar before their airport encounter. Yadav was campaigning in Gaya for his party candidates, while Kishan addressed election rallies in both East Champaran and West Champaran constituencies.
The meeting assumes greater significance given the current political climate in Bihar, where alliance formations and political realignments could potentially influence election outcomes. Political analysts are closely watching whether this airport encounter signals the beginning of a new political partnership in the making.
