Patna: Ignoring political pressures and personal challenges, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday celebrated his 79th birthday with family members and party workers as supporters lined up outside the Rabri residence to seek his blessings. In a picture-perfect moment, Lalu appeared before party workers alongside wife Rabri Devi, holding her hand and smiling warmly as cameras captured the scene.The celebrations stood out for Lalu’s enthusiasm despite a series of challenges faced by the family in recent months. Rabri, who has lived at the 10 Circular Road bungalow with her family for more than two decades, has been asked to vacate the residence after it was allotted to a BJP minister. The couple’s security cover has also been reduced.The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from RJD workers, many of whom arrived with a giant birthday cake, beat drums and raised slogans in support of the veteran leader. Party members described the occasion as a celebration not only for RJD workers but also for farmers, labourers and people from weaker sections of society who have long associated Lalu with their struggles and aspirations. Lalu was also seen personally serving food to party workers.Several leaders extended birthday greetings to the former chief minister. Among them was chief minister Samrat Choudhary, who wished Lalu a “healthy, long, and illustrious life”. Samrat began his political career under Lalu’s leadership and later became a minister in the RJD.Another person who drew attention was Lalu’s Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya, who had left her parents’ home last year after differences within the family. “Today, on your birthday, I just want to say that no one else can take your place in my life. You held my hand at every step, taught me to get up after falling and keep walking, and stood by me like a shield in every difficulty. Your love, sacrifices, and blessings are my most precious treasure.”Lalu’s other daughters also joined the celebrations, making the occasion special.Lalu served as chief minister of Bihar from 1990 to 1997 and later as Union railway minister from 2004 to 2009. He is the founding president of the RJD.
