PATNA: Massive preparations are underway to organise Malmas Mela in Rajgir in Nalanda, the home district of chief minister Nitish Kumar.

But what has caught the attention of people is his deputy Tejashwi Prasad Yadav 'missing' from the posters and hoardings put up in large numbers by the state government to welcome the visitors.The posters, banners and hoardings at several places describe this mela - held after every three years - as a unique confluence of religious faith and tourism carry bold photos of Nitish only while mentioning the facilities to be available for the devotees.

It is to begin from July 18.Tejashwi, who returned from a foreign trip on Sunday, however, is not seen in those posters and hoardings, dropping hints about the prevailing relations between RJD and JD(U).

The development assumes significance in the light of CBI chargesheet against Tejashwi in the land-for-railway-jobs scam.

Last time in 2017, when his name had figured in another case, Nitish had asked him to explain his position in public before he broke alliance with RJD to form a new government with BJP.

However, the scene appears to be a bit different this time.

While Nitish himself has gone "silent" over the issue and has not spoken a word over it, his party and cabinet colleagues, such as JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh and finance minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary have defended Tejashwi."Nothing should be read into this.

In normal practice, the posters carry the photos of only those leaders who are attending the functions," state RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav said, adding it is not mandatory to carry the picture of deputy CM in every government programme.

JD(U) national general secretary Rajib Ranjan also denied any politics behind it and said: "This is the state-sponsored function and since the CM is the head of the state, his photo is being carried.

The CM doesn't discriminate between anyone," Ranjan explained.Describing the significance of this fair, Ranjan said it is believed that all the 33 types of deities remain present at Rajgir during the Malmas Mela.

"Filing of chargesheet is not a proof that the person is involved in corruption.

We have seen a number of people chargesheeted in cases but later acquitted by the court.

It's the court to decide whether the chargesheet was right or wrong," Choudhary had said.