Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav turns 69

Patna, Jun 11: Congress President Sonia Gandhi, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today greeted RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on his 69th birthday.

'Yoga Guru' Baba Ramdev also called up Prasad to greet him on his birthday, the RJD chief's close aide and MLA Bhola Prasad Yadav said. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind also called up Prasad to wish him on his birthday, he said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited 10 Circular road residence of Rabri Devi to greet Prasad on his birthday. The duo are known in political circle as "Bade Bhai" (Lalu) and "Chotte Bhai" (Kumar).

Earlier, Prasad had cut a cake weighing 69 kg, which is equal to his birthday number, flanked by wife Rabri Devi and two sons Tejaswi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM told reporters that "life of Lalu Prasad has been full of struggle. Reaching to this height in politics from a humble background he comes from is inspiring."

"I pray that Lalujee reaches further height in politics," Kumar said on his birthday. Prasad extended greetings to citizens of the state on the occasion. "I want Bihar to reach new heights under grand secular alliance government. This is my birthday wish," Prasad told reporters.

Meanwhile, streams of well wishers visited 10 Circular road to greet Lalu Prasad on his birthday today. Youth wing of RJD presented a garland to him weighing 69 kg equaling his age.

Doors of the residence have been kept open for people who are thronging in large numbers. Cultural programmes have been lined up in the evening on the occasion.

PTI