PATNA: As the 28th birthday of their elder son – Bihar’s health and forests minister Tej Pratap Yadav – was celebrated in a simple ceremony at their residence on Sunday, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife, former chief minister Rabri Devi, spoke of their wish of getting a “homely, accomplished daughter-in-law” without demanding any dowry.
Tej Pratap, currently reeling under a massive controversy due to his ownership of prime land in Aurangabad following the Opposition BJP’s allegations appeared relaxed in the company of his parents and his younger brother – deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav.
Feeling utterly uncomfortable when asked about his marriage plans, Tej Pratap urged journalists not to “draw me into that,” but his parents were open about their plans to get him married in a year or two.
“We are already looking for a suitable girl for him, and we have also received many proposals, but none has appeared suitable so far,” said Rabri Devi. “We want a homely, accomplished daughter-in-law, one who can take care of the home and family and also external affairs,” she added.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, who said Tej Pratap’s wife could be “from anywhere in the country,” said he would not insist on being given dowry for his sons’ wedding. “Dahej galat baat hai. (Dowry is a wrong practice.) We will not insist on being given any dowry except, maybe, a cow,” said the RJD chief, who is known for his love for cows and prides himself on hailing from a cowherd’s caste.
“We want that both Tej Pratap and Tejaswi grow up and have long lives. We want them to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bihar,” said Lalu, a former railway minister.
Sources close to the Yadav family said it is possible that the bride for Tej Pratap could well be from a “political Yadav family in Uttar Padesh”.
Lalu Yadav’s fourth daughter, Ragini, is married to Ghaziabad-based Rahul Yadav, the son of former Samjawadi Party MLA Jitendra Yadav.
Lalu’s youngest daughter, Raj Lakshmi, is married to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav’s grandnephew and Mainpuri MP, Tej Pratap Singh.
Still learning the ropes of politics, Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi, both first-time MLAs, are currently among Bihar’s most suitable bachelors. Tejaswi has been a hot favourite among teenage girls, who make countless requests for selfies with him during his public programmes. Tej Pratap’s favourite hobby seems to be getting himself photographed in avatars, including the flute-playing Lord Sri Krishna.
Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi have seven daughters and two sons. Their eldest daughter, Misa Bharti, is currently a Rajya Sabha member.