Lalu, Rabri perform ‘pind daan’ in Gaya

Gaya:Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad, along with his wife and former CM Rabri Devi, performed ‘pind daan’, praying for peace to the departed souls of their ancestors, in Gaya on Tuesday. Leader of opposition in Bihar assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and his wife Rajshree also accompanied them.Senior Gayapal panda Shambhu Nath Gayab guided Lalu and wife with the rituals at three places — Vishnupad temple, Falgu river and Akshaywat.Gayab said the RJD supremo and his wife performed the ‘pind daan’ for nearly 90 minutes for the departed souls of their respective ancestors. “Earlier too, he had performed the ritual during his tenure as the railway minister,” he said.Lalu and his family reached Gaya airport by a helicopter from Patna around 7.30am and drove straight to Vishnupad temple. He went inside the Vishnupad temple premises in a wheelchair.After performing the rituals, Lalu and family left for Bodh Gaya, where they visited world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara.Marking the visitors’ register, he wrote: “We thank the monks and monastery committee for the wonderful prayer offerings and hospitality. We are most grateful for this experience and lovely prayers offered.”Later talking to reporters, Lalu’s younger son Tejashwi said, “Although my father is unwell, he expressed a desire to have a darshan of Lord Vishnu. It is our first family gathering at the sacred Vishnupad temple. I prayed before Lord Vishnu for a corruption- and crime-free state, and that the residents get rid of serious problems like unemployment and inflation.”At the same time, taking a dig at the state govt, he alleged, “The RJD workers are getting forms filled up for Mai Bahan and yuva samwad schemes (to be implemented if the GA comes to power), while the govt is scaring them by holding press conferences.”