JD(U) chief hosts lunch for Mahagathbandhan workers ahead of Nitish’s Delhi trip

On the menu was mutton curry and rice to attract maximum workers even though there were vegetarian options as well. Lalan Singh had sent a signed invitation letter and took the occasion for direct interaction with the workers. He called the function “Karyakarta Samman Samaroh”.

But the most important reason for the choice of Barh-Mokama is an attempt to further cement the relationship among MGB constituents ahead of the Opposition unity bid by Nitish Kumar who looks enthused after getting a call from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge. The Bihar CM is likely to visit Delhi for Opposition unity sometime this month.

Lalan Singh said: “We do not take notice of what the Opposition says. My idea is to honour alliance workers by lending a personal touch… We know that BJP is critical of everything we do. But BJP leaders should acknowledge that whatever development they see in their backyards is because of Nitish Kumar.”

A JD(U) leader said: “Food diplomacy works very well in politics. Even though various political parties are hosting iftars in the ongoing Ramzan month, the JD(U) president’s lunch was for common workers with a broader message. We want to build momentum for Opposition unity.”

BJP OBC Morcha general secretary Nikhil Anand, however, said: “At a time Bihar witnessed communal violence in Biharsharif and Sasaram, Bihar CM and his deputy were holding iftar parties. It shows how serious they are towards social harmony.”

Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal president Upendra Kushwaha echoed similar sentiments. “It is not time to celebrate but to apply balm on the wounds of those affected in the recent communal violence.”