An interesting political development unfolded in Bihar on Sunday when Shriraj Pratap Singh, a former Janata Dal United (JDU) Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), unexpectedly visited Lalu Prasad Yadav, the supremo of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), at his Patna residence. The meeting, lasting approximately an hour, has sparked considerable speculation within political circles.
While the former MLC claimed the visit was purely a courtesy call to offer birthday wishes, the political climate in Bihar suggests the meeting holds more significance than a simple felicitation.
Timing and Atmosphere of the Meeting
The meeting took place around 10:30 AM on Sunday at Lalu Yadav's official residence at 10, Circular Road. No other JDU representative or senior RJD leader was present. When questioned by the media after the meeting, Shri Ranvijay Singh (presumably a typo and should read Shriraj Pratap Singh) stated, "I personally hold Lalu Ji in high regard. I was pleased to learn about his good health. I only came to offer birthday wishes; no political discussions took place."
Just a Courtesy Call?
Although Shriraj Pratap Singh attributed the meeting to personal relations, political analysts remain skeptical. Speculation regarding political alliances in Bihar has intensified in recent months. Especially after Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA, some JDU leaders feel uneasy. In this context, a former leader's meeting with Lalu Prasad Yadav seems unlikely to be a simple courtesy call.
Lalu Yadav's Silence and Smile
Lalu Prasad Yadav remained silent to the media during the meeting, but a smile was observed when cameras focused on him. This silence has raised several questions:
Is he awaiting a political signal?
Is he attempting to bring former leaders back into his fold?
Political Analysis
Political analysts believe that Bihar is currently witnessing a reshuffling of political alignments in view of the 2025 Assembly elections. Following Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA, several veteran JDU leaders feel sidelined. Political analyst Dr. Saurabh Jha states: "In politics, no meeting is merely a courtesy call, especially between prominent leaders. The former MLC's meeting with Lalu Yadav could signal that some within the JDU still wish to align with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance)."
The JDU has not yet issued an official statement on the meeting, but party sources indicate that the top leadership is monitoring the situation. Similarly, the RJD camp has maintained silence, further fueling speculation. This is not the first time in Bihar's political landscape that a leader has met with a prominent figure from the opposing camp. Previously, meetings under the guise of "birthday greetings" or "health concerns" have often preceded shifts in alliances or party affiliations, especially during election years.
