Patna/Ranchi: A day ahead of the counting of votes polled in the three-phase Bihar Assembly elections, the family and supporters of Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday wished him on his 31st birthday.
The RJD supporters were visibly in a celebratory mood, spilling out on the Patna roads even as Tejashwi’s father Lalu Prasad, mother Rabri Devi, eldest sister Dr Misa Bharti, and elder brother Tej Pratap conveyed their best wishes to Tejashwi on the occasion.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, who is admitted in the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, called his son in the morning to wish him on his birthday.
“The people of Bihar will give you the birthday gift Tuesday,” the former Union Minister told his son, who is the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance in Bihar.
Former state Minister Tej Pratap tagged Tejashwi and tweeted to say ‘Happy Birthday Tutu’, addressing his younger brother by his nickname.
Misa too tweeted: “Happy birthday, younger brother. Keep progress(ing) in life and do good work for every person.”
Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap wished Tejashwi seconds after the midnight hour struck. Tejashwi also cut a cake on the occasion.
Even Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan tweeted his warm wishes. “I pray to God to give you a long life and success in life,” he posted in Hindi. Tejashwi responded with a ‘thanks brother’ message.
Meanwhile, RJD supporters assembled at Rabri Devi’s official residence at 10, Circular Road in Bihar capital Patna, carrying flowers, balloons, and garlands for Tejashwi.
Adding to RJD supporters’ enthusiasm were the predictions of various exit polls on November 7, which claimed a good show by the Mahagathbandhan in the elections.
Earlier, sources at RIMS Director’s Bungalow, where Lalu Prasad is lodged, said that Tejashwi had called around midnight to seek the blessings of his jailed father but the latter was asleep.
Tejashwi again called up around 6 am but Lalu Prasad was still asleep. Later, the veteran politician called up his son to wish him on his birthday.
Lalu Prasad has been convicted and jailed in three fodder scam cases. He has been shifted to RIMS Director’s Bungalow due to coronavirus fear. He was earlier lodged at the paying ward of RIMS.
IANS