In a move blending familial pride, political symbolism, and regional tradition, Tej Pratap Yadav—chief of the newly formed Janshakti Janta Dal—has once again demanded that his father, former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, be conferred the Bharat Ratna. The announcement, made just days after his sister Misa Bharti echoed similar sentiments on social media, comes amid heightened political activity in Bihar and signals an effort to recenter Lalu’s legacy in public discourse .
But Tej Pratap didn’t stop at rhetoric. In a culturally resonant gesture, he declared his intention to host a choora-dahi bhoj—a traditional Bihari feast marking auspicious beginnings—and personally invite current Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lalu’s long-time rival turned ally (and then rival again). This layered move is equal parts homage, political messaging, and public spectacle.
Table of Contents
- The Bharat Ratna Demand: What’s Behind It?
- Lalu’s Legacy: A Complex Tapestry of Reform and Controversy
- The ‘Chooraa-Dahi Bhoj’: More Than Just a Meal
- Nitish Kumar: The Unlikely Guest in a Yadav Family Ritual
- Political Calculus Ahead of the 2029 Bihar Elections
- Conclusion: Honor, Identity, and Electoral Strategy
- Sources
The Bharat Ratna Demand: What’s Behind It?
The Bharat Ratna for Lalu Prasad is not a new ask. Over the years, RJD leaders and supporters have periodically raised the demand, citing his role in empowering backward castes and championing social justice in the 1990s. Tej Pratap’s latest push, however, carries added weight because it comes from his own political platform—Janshakti Janta Dal—which he launched after parting ways with the RJD .
“What is the problem in giving Bharat Ratna to my father?” Tej Pratap reportedly asked during a press interaction, framing the omission as an injustice to the millions who see Lalu as a messiah of the marginalized . He plans to formally write to the Union Home Ministry, which administers the award, to make his case official.
Lalu’s Legacy: A Complex Tapestry of Reform and Controversy
To understand the emotional core of this demand, one must revisit Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political journey:
- Social Revolution: As Bihar’s CM (1990–1997), he gave unprecedented political voice to OBCs and Dalits, dismantling upper-caste dominance in governance.
- Railway Reforms: As Union Railway Minister (2004–2009), he introduced populist measures like unreserved coaches and halted freight hikes, earning national acclaim.
- Controversies: His tenure was marred by the multi-crore fodder scam, which led to his conviction and imprisonment—tarnishing his administrative credibility .
Critics argue that the Bharat Ratna, reserved for “exceptional service/performance of the highest order,” should not overlook legal transgressions. Supporters counter that his socio-political impact outweighs individual failings—a debate that mirrors India’s larger struggle to reconcile moral complexity with national honor.
The ‘Chooraa-Dahi Bhoj’: More Than Just a Meal
Tej Pratap’s announcement of a choora-dahi bhoj—a ceremonial meal of flattened rice and yogurt traditionally served during weddings or new ventures—is deeply symbolic in Bihari culture. By hosting it, he’s signaling the formal launch of his independent political identity while invoking ancestral blessings.
But the real intrigue lies in his guest list. Inviting Nitish Kumar, a man who has alternately allied with and opposed Lalu over two decades, transforms the event into a high-stakes political theater. Will Nitish attend? His presence could hint at reconciliation; his absence would reinforce the deep rift between the two camps.
Nitish Kumar: The Unlikely Guest in a Yadav Family Ritual
Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad share one of Indian politics’ most volatile relationships. They governed Bihar together in a grand alliance from 2015 to 2022 before Nitish dramatically switched sides to join the BJP. For Tej Pratap—a vocal critic of Nitish’s “betrayals”—to extend this invitation is either a masterstroke of diplomacy or a calculated provocation .
[INTERNAL_LINK:lalu-nitish-alliance-history] details how their partnership reshaped Bihar but ultimately collapsed under mutual suspicion.
Political Calculus Ahead of the 2029 Bihar Elections
With assembly elections still three years away, this move serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Reclaiming the Yadav Narrative: Tej Pratap positions himself as the true heir to Lalu’s legacy, distinct from his siblings in the RJD.
- Testing Public Sentiment: The Bharat Ratna demand gauges emotional resonance among Lalu’s core base—Yadavs, Muslims, and EBCs.
- Forcing Nitish’s Hand: The invitation puts Nitish in a bind—ignore it and appear disrespectful; accept it and risk alienating BJP allies.
Conclusion: Honor, Identity, and Electoral Strategy
Tej Pratap Yadav’s push for a Bharat Ratna for Lalu Prasad is far more than a son’s tribute. It’s a multifaceted political maneuver designed to revive a fading icon, assert a new leadership claim, and stir the pot in Bihar’s ever-shifting power dynamics. Whether it translates into votes remains to be seen—but in a state where symbolism often trumps substance, this blend of ritual, rhetoric, and rivalry could prove potent.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026). ‘What is the problem?’ Tej Pratap renews Bharat Ratna push for Lalu, will invite CM Nitish for ‘choora-dahi bhoj’. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/126463866.cms.
- Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. Bharat Ratna Guidelines. https://pib.gov.in.
- Election Commission of India. Party Registration: Janshakti Janta Dal.
- The Hindu. (2025). Lalu Prasad Yadav: A Legacy of Contradictions.