Bihar's 26-year-old deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav is also the minister in charge of roads. (File Photo)
Highlights
- Lalu Prasad Yadav playing favourites between Yadav brothers, alleges BJP
- Mr Prasad often steps in for his son Tej Pratap Yadav, says BJP
- BJP too targets Tej Pratap Yadav calling him a 'reluctant minister'
Over the last three months of the Nitish Kumar-Lalu Prasad government, two ministers have been continuously under the spotlight: Lalu Prasad's sons, health minister Tej Pratap Yadav and his brother Tejaswi Yadav.
The brothers - both first-time lawmakers and ministers -- draw considerable comparison. And the opposition BJP is exploiting it to the hilt, expanding the rift that party insiders say has been caused after Mr Prasad picked younger Tejaswi as his political heir.
Accusing Mr Yadav of playing favourites, senior BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav said, "To establish the younger brother, the elder brother is being targeted and not being allowed to perform."
As proof they cite instances of Mr Prasad stepping in for his son, attending a ministry function and even inspecting a hospital. Mr Prasad -- who has been barred from contesting elections for six years after his conviction in a fodder scam case -- has defended his actions saying he doesn't have much to do these days.
But the BJP has simultaneously targeted Tej Pratap too, calling him a "reluctant minister" and greeting him with protests every day during the ongoing budget session.
Bihar has only 30% doctors needed to man the state-run hospitals. There are crippling shortages of beds and medicines. Yet, as this year's health budget was presented in the assembly, no debate was allowed. The BJP insists it was a move meant to shield Tej Pratap from questions.
Claiming Tej Pratap Yadav attends the House regularly, cooperatives minister Alok Mehta from RJD, said, "It takes time to gain experience. Wait for it. This is not an UPSC exam".
Life has been easier for Tejaswi -- Bihar's 26-year-old deputy Chief Minister, who is also the minister in charge of roads.
From sharing stage with Prime Minister Modi at a recent function to facing television cameras with ease, Tejaswi Yadav appears more in charge, say officials at his ministry.
"I don't want to give myself any marks. That's your job. I'm focusing on development and working with honesty," Tejaswi Yadav told NDTV.