Aftermonths of feud,Nitish greets Lalu on birthday

After several months of animosity, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday wished Lalu Prasad on his birthday.

"I extend my warm greetings to Laluji on his birthday and wish him a healthy and prosperous life," said Nitish soon after his weekly programme Lok Samvad (Public Interface) here in the state capital.

This was Nitish's second greeting to the RJD chief since morning, with whom he has had a running feud since July 2017, when he dumped his Grand Alliance partners (RJD and Congress) and joined hands with the BJP-led NDA.

"My greetings to Shri Lalu Yadavji on his birthday. Wish him a speedy recovery," tweeted Nitish in Hindi earlier in the day.

Pleasantly surprised by the warm gesture, Rabri Devi thanked Nitish profusely and blessed the Bihar chief minister with "Nitish ji ki bhi bahut lambi aayu ho (I also wish Nitish a long life)."

The bonhomie between the two erstwhile Janata Parivar leaders assumes significance as the two arch-rivals have mellowed down a bit after spewing venom at each other.

Lalu has not been keeping good health since he was incarcerated in the fodder scams and is out on provisional bail on health grounds. He will soon fly to Mumbai for a surgery.

Nitish, meanwhile, has reportedly not been very happy in the company of an aggressive BJP of late.

Earlier in the day, Nitish scotched rumours of simmering discontent within the NDA allies.

"I have read certain reports in the media about it. But the fact is that there have been no talks related to seat-sharing arrangements for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. So there is no question of anyone being unhappy about it. We will react when any such issues (seat-sharing talks with the BJP) are taken up on the eve of the polls," Nitish cleared the air.

Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad could not attend his birthday function as he is reported to be unwell.

He watched the celebration on television as his two sons Tej Pratap and Tejashwi cut the cake along with Rabri Devi.

"There is no war in my pariwar (family)," said Rabri, while holding hands of her two sons.