Jan Shakti Janata Dal (JJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav on Wednesday announced that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will merge with the JJD, signalling a major political development in Bihar’s political landscape.
Speaking to reporters during a Makar Sankranti gathering in Patna, Tej Pratap said the announcement came on an auspicious occasion.
“On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, we have invited all people. Everyone has come. Some people might be on the way,” he said, before adding, “The RJD will merge with the JJD.”
Announcement After ‘Dahi Chuda’ Programme
The announcement followed a ‘Dahi Chuda’ programme organised by Tej Pratap Yadav at his residence, where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav reunited with his estranged son after a long period.
The event saw the presence of several prominent political figures, including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, RLJP chief Pashupati Kumar Paras, and Bihar ministers such as Vijay Chaudhary and Sanjay Jha, among others.
‘Parents Are God to Us’: Tej Pratap
Calling the event a grand success, Tej Pratap said he received blessings from his father and other elders.
“If Teju Bhaiya’s feast won’t be a super duper hit, then whose will be? A grand feast of dahi-chuda was organised,” he said.
“Our parents are God to us, so we will keep receiving their blessings. Everyone will come,” he added.
On Tejashwi Yadav’s Absence
When asked about the absence of his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tej Pratap said an invitation had been sent to him.
“I have sent an invitation to my younger brother as well. He wakes up a little late,” he remarked.
Bihar Yatra to Begin Soon
Tej Pratap further said that after receiving blessings from Lalu Prasad Yadav and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, he is set to begin a yatra across Bihar.
“Lalu ji came, Governor Arif ji came and blessed us. We have to take blessings from the elderly and then start our yatra across Bihar,” he said.
The announcement of the proposed merger is expected to trigger intense political discussions in Bihar, especially with assembly elections approaching.