The first in the series of "political" iftar parties this season was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence on Saturday.
With the holy month of Ramzan underway, almost all political parties in Bihar are hosting lavish iftar parties, inviting allies, opponents and the common man to participate in the evening feasts.
The first in the series of "political" iftar parties this season was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence on Saturday. Kumar has set a tradition of hosting iftar feats for the the last several years, making it, understandably, one of the most talked about events in town.
Among the early birds at the CM's residence were Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind and Nitish's cabinet colleagues. Ally and RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is under attack from Opposition BJP over alleged benami deals, arrived with his wife and former CM Rabri Devi and sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav.
Elaborate arrangements had been made to host Saturday's feast, in which all were invited. The iftar commenced with a prayer service, after which Kumar extended greetings to the guests present on the occasion. The menu mostly included traditional snacking delicacies such as pakodas and sherbats.
The iftar parties are seen as a platform for politicians to adorn varieties of skullcaps and scarves and hug each other for photo-ops. On some occasions, it is also an opportunity to leave behind political enmities and forge fresh relations.
The RJD too is gearing up to host a grand iftar party at Devi's residence — 10, Circular Road — on June 23. Invitations have already been sent out and political watchers said it will be interesting to see who all share the feast at Lalu's home. Last year, Lalu's iftar party had brought Kumar and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi on the same platform, though the latter maintained nothing political should be read in it.
Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) is hosting an iftar party on June 18, while Kumar's JD (U) is throwing a separate party on June 19. The BJP too is not behind and former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi will host a, Iftar feast on June 20.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Rabri-Lalu-Nitish")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}