Lalu Prasad Hosts Grand Iftar Gathering, Calls for Unity and Communal Harmony

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad hosted a grand Daawat-e-Iftar at the official residence of RJD national general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, bringing together thousands of rozedars, political leaders, and dignitaries, including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The event, attended by leaders from across the Grand Alliance, underscored themes of communal harmony and shared heritage.

Lalu Prasad, alongside former chief minister Rabri Devi, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and host Abdul Bari Siddiqui, personally welcomed guests. Special arrangements were made for rozedars, including a designated space for offering namaz, where Maulana Haseeb Ekramul Haque led the Maghrib prayers. Before the prayers, religious scholars spoke about the significance of Ramzan and fasting, followed by collective prayers for national unity, peace, and progress.

Speaking at the event, Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav highlighted the importance of such gatherings in reinforcing the country’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, a term denoting syncretic Hindu-Muslim cultural traditions. They emphasised the need to uphold unity and brotherhood in the face of growing divisions.

As a gesture of respect, dignitaries were welcomed with bouquets, caps, and turbans. Lalu Prasad personally greeted Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, presenting him with a bouquet.

The Iftar saw participation from a wide spectrum of political figures, including Ghulam Gaus, Pashupati Kumar Paras, Prince Raj, Suraj Bhan Singh, Mithilesh Jha, Ali Ashraf Fatmi, Uday Narayan Chaudhary, Shivanand Tiwari, and several other senior leaders from different parties. A large number of members from Muslim organisations, journalists, intellectuals, and citizens from all walks of life also attended the event.