Patna: Bitter political rivals RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Union minister Giriraj Singh sat together for over an hour on Sunday at the wedding of Sushil Kumar Modi's elder son, exchanging laughs and stressing that politics and personal lives are different.

Lalu and Giriraj have often traded barbs. When the Union minister had called for a debate to roll back minority status to Muslims, the RJD chief had termed him a "lunatic". Giriraj, Union minister of state (independent charge) for micro, small and medium enterprises, had dubbed Lalu the "embodiment of corruption" when the RJD chief was going hammer and tongs at the Centre's demonetisation.

On Sunday, however, wedding. Giriraj sat next to Lalu along with BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain, and stayed there till the end.

Asked about his "chemistry" with Lalu, Giriraj said: "I had gone to attend the wedding of Lalu ji's daughter and we keep on meeting each other at functions. Politics and family events are different." Lalu too said: "We talk and exchange pleasantries when we meet; as far as his statements are concerned he just issues the comments but never implements them. By and large Giriraj is a good human being."

Asked about his controversial statements, Giriraj said: "I will keep on issuing statements which are good for Hindutva and the society. Till the time I am in politics I will keep on giving comments."

Sitting next to Lalu, Giriraj stressed he was "200 per cent sure" that the Ram temple would come up in Ayodhya.

"We will abide by the court order but Ram Mandir will be surely built because it is a matter of the faith of crores of devotees, including Lalu ji. If Ram Mandir will not come up in Ayodhya, will it be built in Pakistan?" he said.

Lalu warned Giriraj: "The media want to create a scene, do not talk about these things over here."

The bonhomie between politicians is real and the rest is drama, he added. Giriraj called Lalu an elder brother.