Tej Pratap Yadav Holds Traditional Feast, Invites Estranged Family

Tej Pratap Yadav, the former Minister of Bihar and eldest son of prominent political figure Lalu Prasad Yadav, made headlines when he visited his parents in Patna on 14 January 2026. The visit was significant as it involved an invitation to a traditional feast known as dahi-chura, held in celebration of Makar Sankranti, a festival marking the harvest season in India.

Dahi-chura, which consists of yogurt and flattened rice, is a dish commonly enjoyed in Bihar during this festive occasion. Tej Pratap Yadav's gesture of inviting his family members for the meal suggested a desire for reconciliation, especially after acknowledging a historical rift in their relationships.

During his visit, Tej Pratap Yadav also extended an invitation to his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, urging him to consider merging their respective political parties. While Tej Pratap leads the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), Tejashwi is the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The potential unification of their parties could have significant implications for the political landscape in Bihar.

Observers interpret this gathering not only as a family reunion but also as a strategic manoeuvre in Bihar's dynamic political arena. Lalu Prasad Yadav, a veteran politician who has previously served as the Chief Minister of Bihar, attended the feast, adding weight to the notion of familial reconciliation. The presence of the family appears to indicate a softening of tensions after recent electoral setbacks for the RJD and its allies in the state.

“This feast is an opportunity to rebuild bridges and strengthen our political roots,” Tej Pratap Yadav expressed during the gathering, highlighting the importance of unity during challenging times.

As Makar Sankranti is a widely celebrated festival across India, this event serves not only as a cultural celebration but also as a reminder of the intricate ties that bind family and politics in the region. Analysts will be watching closely to see if this familial gathering leads to renewed cooperation between the two brothers and their respective parties as they navigate the challenges ahead in Bihar's political landscape.