Ice Begins to Melt After Seven Months: Tej Pratap Yadav Meets Father Lalu Prasad Yadav

New Delhi/Patna: After nearly seven months of estrangement, signs of reconciliation emerged within the Lalu family as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav met his father, party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting took place at the residence of Rajya Sabha MP and Tej Pratap’s sister, Misa Bharti, during proceedings related to the land-for-jobs case.

Tej Pratap Yadav arrived in Delhi to appear before the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the case. Following the court hearing, he visited his sister’s residence, where Lalu Prasad Yadav is currently staying, and sought his father’s blessings. The meeting marked their first interaction since Tej Pratap was expelled from the party and distanced from the family amid the Anushka Yadav controversy.

Invitation for Makar Sankranti Feast

Speaking to the media before the meeting, Tej Pratap Yadav said, “We will continue to fight the case.” After meeting his father, he appeared visibly cheerful and confirmed that he had invited Lalu Prasad Yadav to his residence for a traditional dahi-chura feast on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

“I have taken my father’s blessings. I invited him for chura-dahi. He will come to bless us,” Tej Pratap said confidently when asked whether Lalu Prasad Yadav would accept the invitation.

A Symbolic Thaw in Relations

The meeting is being seen as a symbolic thaw in the strained relationship between father and son. While the rift had deepened over the past several months, Friday’s interaction suggested a possible softening of positions. Earlier this month, Tej Pratap had also met his mother Rabri Devi on her birthday at the family’s 10 Circular Road residence in Patna.

Tej Pratap Yadav has reportedly extended invitations for the Makar Sankranti feast to several leaders from the NDA as well, adding political significance to the gesture.

Brief Encounter with Tejashwi Yadav

On the same day, members of the Lalu family were present in Delhi for the CBI special court hearing in the land-for-jobs case, where a decision on framing of charges was expected. Tej Pratap Yadav also briefly came face to face with his younger brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at the court premises. However, the interaction was momentary, limited to a brief encounter while exiting a lift, and no formal meeting took place between the two.

After meeting his father, Tej Pratap Yadav addressed the media with a smile, reflecting visible happiness. “We will fight this battle,” he reiterated, signaling both political resolve and a possible emotional reconciliation within the family.