This year, leading the celebration is Lalu Prasad who on Friday organised a lavish party in the state capital for one and all.
Surprisingly, he invited his bete noire Nitish Kumar, too, who, however, did not turn up. The gathering took place at 10 Circular Road, the official residence of his wife and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Rabri Devi.
If it was a show of strength to prove that Lalu still holds clout among the minorities, then one had to see it to believe it. Hundreds vehicles were lined up outside the venue, while thousands of Muslim supporters made a serpentine queue to get a taste of Lalu’s hospitality.
Aware of the solid foundation of Muslim-Yadav vote bank, which helped them rule Bihar for 15 years, the Yadav-couple personally ensured that all those who attended the Dawat-e-Iftaar munched some delicious dishes after offering namaz (prayer).
“Laluji has been organising Iftaar parties ever since he donned became chief minister of Bihar in 1990. So nothing much should be read into it,” quipped Rabri, discounting reports that the event was held to woo the minorities.