In what could signal the end of a feud within Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family, Tej Pratap Yadav, Janshakti Janata Dal (Janata Dal) and Lalu Prasad Yadav's eldest son, met his younger brother and RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav at his family residence in Patna on Tuesday evening.
The face-to-face meeting between the brothers happened after Tej Pratap was released from Beur Central Jail on Tuesday evening, following the goverment decision to withdraw cases registered during the student movement. Tej Pratap was arrested last week during the students’ protest against the NEET leak. Though he was detained and released after some time, he was arrested again in the evening.
The police had registered a case against Tej Pratap Yadav under more than 12 sections, including attempt to murder, obstruction in government work, rioting, and damage to public property.
On release from jail, Tej Pratap was warmly welcomed by his supporters and Veena Manvi, his party candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election.
After this, he went straight to his residence in Kautilya Nagar, where he met his mother Rabri Devi, father Lalu Prasad Yadav and younger brother Tejashwi Yadav. According to local media reports, Tejashwi had come to visit his mother. Both brothers met face-to-face. After spending some time with his family, Tej Pratap returned to his residence late at night.
The meeting holds significance as there had been rumours of a rift in the relationship. Tejashwi Yadav had spoken in support of Tej Pratap during his arrest, warning that if his elder brother was not released soon, he would take to the streets and launch a big movement. The meeting, which came immediately after their release from jail, has sparked new political debate.
Political experts say that while Tej Pratap Yadav's imprisonment may have narrowed the distance between the two brothers. The relationship, once considered to have grown cold, now appears to be softening and becoming more comfortable. Supporters believe that the message of family unity could have an impact on electoral politics. The Lalu family is a prominent figure in Bihar politics, so their every move is viewed from a political perspective.
