Controversy over Lalu's parole for son's wedding; Opposition alleges 'he broke law'

On arrival at Patna, the former Bihar chief minister was given a rousing welcome by family members and supporters.

Bihar: Controversy has erupted over RJD Chief Lalu Yadav’s 3-day furlough from Ranchi jail for his son Tej Pratap Yadav’s wedding. Lalu is serving his sentence after being held guilty in Fodder scam case by CBI court in Ranchi since December last year. Prasad’s parole has left the opposition angry as he allegedly broke the law and met his party workers while on parole. On arrival at Patna, the former Bihar chief minister was given a rousing welcome by family members and supporters. His eldest daughter and Rajya Sabha member Misa Bharti, elder son Tej Pratap Yadav - who is tying the knot on Saturday - and the youngest offspring and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav were at the Jay Prakash Narayan Airport to receive their father. The jailed RJD chief had been undergoing treatment at the RIMS hospital in the Jharkhand capital. He could not attend the engagement ceremony of his son in Patna on April 18 following which Tej Pratap had tweeted "Miss you PAPA". Inspector General of Prison Harsh Mangla said that Prasad has been granted parole for three days. When asked about Prasad being granted a three-day parole though he had prayed for five days, the Jharkhand Prison IG said, "We decided on the matter considering the need." He, however, said that as per the rules, the travel time is not counted in the duration of the parole. Bhola Yadav, RJD General Secretary and a close aide of Prasad, accompanied him from Ranchi,. He said the RJD chief is likely to return to Ranchi on May 14 on completion of parole. Tej Pratap Yadav's marriage with daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai is scheduled on May 12 in Patna.