In a move that has sent ripples through Bihar's political landscape, Tej Pratap Yadav, the estranged elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, has embarked on a surprising outreach to leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With his father recuperating from eye surgery in Delhi and brother Tejashwi Prasad Yadav away from Patna, Tej Pratap has taken centre stage by personally extending invitations for a traditional "chura-dahi" feast at his residence on January 14, the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
A Flurry of Personal Visits Fuels Speculation
Over the past three days, Tej Pratap, the president of the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), was seen visiting the homes of several NDA ministers to hand-deliver the invitations. This activity is particularly notable given his strained relations with his own family and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which expelled him for six years. The family had publicly distanced itself from him last year after he revealed an intimate relationship.
What amplified the political intrigue was Tej Pratap's decision to post photographs of his meetings with NDA leaders on social media. While he described the upcoming feast as purely "social and cultural in nature," the optics of his growing engagement with BJP and NDA figures have ignited fresh debates about potential shifts in Bihar's political equations.
Who Received the Invitations?
The photographs released by Tej Pratap show him in relaxed conversations with key NDA figures. His invitation trail included:
- Deepak Prakash, Panchayati Raj Minister (RLM) and son of Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha.
- Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms (BJP).
- Santosh Kumar Suman, Minor Water Resources Minister (HAM-S).
- Awadhesh Narayan Singh, Bihar Legislative Council Chairman (BJP).
Political Reactions and Analysis
The move has triggered sharp reactions from political quarters, even amid the intense winter cold. Political analysts point out that Makar Sankranti has long transcended its religious significance in Bihar to become a major political platform. "While in power, Lalu gave this tradition the form of a political event years ago," analysts noted, highlighting how the feast has historically been a space for political signalling.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar responded with mockery, suggesting Tej Pratap should host the event at his private residences in Mahuabagh or Kautilya Nagar to accommodate his supporters, implying the government residence might be too small.
The RJD reacted sharply, with a leader speaking anonymously to dismiss the move as a desperate bid for relevance. "The man lost his political relevance and is trying to blackmail the RJD through his gesture," the leader said, adding that even the BJP would have no interest in inducting him due to his lack of a political base. Tej Pratap contested the last assembly elections on a JJD ticket but lost badly, with his party failing to win a single seat.
As the festival approaches, all eyes are on Tej Pratap Yadav's residence, where a simple feast of flattened rice and yogurt has become the unlikely focal point of high-stakes political speculation in Bihar.
