Makar Sankranti treat will reflect Bihar’s political warmth

Patna, Jan 12 (IANS) Political temperature in Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance will be reflected in the warmth with which guests are treated at the residences of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and JD-U state President Vashisht Narain Singh here during the Makar Sankranti festival celebrations, say observors.

In Patna, two big feasts are being organised -- one by Lalu Prasad and the other by Vashisht Narain Singh -- for their party leaders and workers as well as for members from the opposition. People from different walks of life have also been invited.

"Both feasts are important for leaders and workers of the ruling Grand Alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress. The gathering will send a political message of whether everything is fine or not," a senior RJD leader close to Lalu told IANS here on Thursday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to join in the festivities at both places.

"Nitish Kumar will visit the 10 Circular Road house allotted to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, where Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav and Bihar Health Minister Tej Pratap also reside," a Janata Dal-United leader said.

Lalu Prasad will also visit Singh's residence along with his sons to meet JD-U leaders on the occasion.

In 2016, contrary to speculations, Lalu had applied a 'tilak' of curd on Nitish Kumar's forehead to indicate cordial relations between them.

Lalu is popular for helping Rabri Devi in serving the traditional 'dahi-chura' (curd and flattened rice) to party leaders and visitors. In fact, his entire family, including sons Tejaswi and Tej Pratap, and daughter Misa Bharti, joined the two leaders in taking care of the guests.

According to RJD leaders, more than 30 quintals of curd and 'chura' each, were arranged for the feast at Rabri Devi's official residence while JD-U leaders put the quantity used at their feast at over 20 quintals of curd and 'chura' each.

Senior RJD and JD-U leaders, including ministers, legislators and MPs, joined the festivities while savouring traditional food items like 'chura', 'tilkut' (a sesame seeds sweet) and 'khichdi' (rice and pulses mash).