By Vishwapati
Patna: Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, sparked controversy after he compelled constable Deepak, who was deployed for security at his official residence, to dance during Holi festivities. Tej Pratap allegedly threatened to have the constable suspended if he refused to comply. The incident unfolded as constable Deepak reluctantly danced to a Holi song played at Tej Pratap’s behest.
Tej Pratap was heard saying, “Hey constable… hey Deepak… listen… we will play a song, and you have to dance to it. If you do not dance today, you will be suspended… don’t mind, it’s Holi.” Despite the celebratory nature of Holi, Tej Pratap’s actions raised questions about his disregard for rules and regulations.
The incident took place at Tej Pratap’s residence, where he was seated on a milk-white sofa on a stage, exuding an air of authority reminiscent of a ‘Maharaj.’ A centre table in front of him held two plates of abir (coloured powder), and several individuals were seen applying abir to his feet. After his initial remarks, Tej Pratap began singing a Holi song, “Baba Harihar Nath,” prompting constable Deepak to dance with his left hand on his waist and his right hand raised above his head.
Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, has long been accustomed to a life of privilege, having spent his childhood in the Chief Minister’s residence. Despite now being in the opposition, his demeanour and attitude appear unchanged. For constable Deepak, who holds a modest position, there was little choice but to comply with Tej Pratap’s demands.
Currently, Tej Pratap Yadav serves as an RJD MLA from Hasanpur in Samastipur. His parents, Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad Yadav, have both held the position of Bihar Chief Minister. His mother, Rabri Devi, is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, while his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, holds the same position in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. His elder sister, Misa Bharti, is the MP for Pataliputra. Tej Pratap himself has served as a minister twice in the Nitish Kumar-led government during the RJD-JD(U) alliance.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
