Shatrughan Sinha attends Tejashwi’s Iftaar Party; says ‘Will contest election on RJD or Congress ticket’

The Iftaar at Yadav's 5, Circular Road residence coincided with a similar feast for "rozedars" held at the Haj Bhavan, which was organized by the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar and where the actor-turned-politician remained conspicuous by his absence.

BJP's Shatrughan Sinha. Credit: PTI/File

Patna: Disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Wednesday attended an Iftaar party hosted by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav here, triggering speculations about his future political move. The Iftaar at Yadav's 5, Circular Road residence coincided with a similar feast for "rozedars" held at the Haj Bhavan, which was organized by the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar and where the actor-turned-politician remained conspicuous by his absence. "It is an auspicious and happy occasion. Iftaar parties are a part of our composite culture. Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo) is my dear friend. I am delighted to be among my family friends," Sinha told reporters. To surprise the guests further, Shatrughan said that “He will be contesting the elections on RJD or Congress ticket from Patna Sahib seat”. Asked why he skipped the Iftaar hosted by the JD(U), the Patna Sahib MP claimed he did not have knowledge of the Haj House function. Asked whether his presence at a function hosted by an opposition party leader while skipping the one hosted by an ally of his party could lead to bitterness, he asserted "iftaar only sweetens relationships". When pressed further by journalists, he responded with his trademark - Khamosh! The actor-turned-politician spent close to half an hour at Yadav's residence, where Lalu Prasad - sentenced for fodder scam cases and currently out on bail for medical treatment - was, however, not present. Restrained by the Jharkhand High Court - which had granted him provisional bail - from interacting with the media and making political statements, the former Bihar Chief Minister has avoided making appearances in the public. Speaking on the occasion, Tejashwi Yadav - who is the RJD heir apparent - regretted his absence at the Iftaar hosted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi and said "our programme had been decided long ago so I could not be present there. But our Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha is representing our party and I hope that the Iftaar at Delhi sends out a strong message in favour of opposition unity".