Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Friday expressed disappointment that chief Nitish Kumar had not spoken to Lalu Prasad or anybody in the family even once since his father fell ill.

The statement comes a day after Lalu was shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for better treatment.

Lalu, who was serving a jail term at the Birsa Munda Central jail in fodder scam cases, was referred to AIIMS by the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi.

Lalu's younger son and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi said the ruling party had made an issue out of his father's health and this was not a good sign in politics. "People are doing politics on my father's health and I request people not to do so," Tejashwi said outside his 10 Circular Road house before leaving for Hajipur. "It is very disappointing that Nitish ji has not even made a courtesy call over my father's health. His behaviour proves he hates Laluji, who had made him chief minister."

Lalu is suffering from diabetes, high creatinine and blood pressure. Tejashwi recalled how when Ram Vilas Paswan was admitted to Paras hospital, he had accompanied Lalu to the hospital to meet Paswan. Political differences should not become the reason for personal animosity and Nitish should have a big heart, Tejashwi said.

In the fodder scam cases, Lalu has moved an application before court seeking minimum sentencing, citing his poor health.

Lalu's eldest daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti slammed the Jharkhand government for not allowing Lalu to travel to Delhi by air and forcing him to travel 17 hours by train.

Senior RJD leader and party vice-president Shivanand Tiwari recalled an old incident to prove how Lalu used to keep political differences aside when dealing with opponents. "I remember when Lalu had got L.K. Advani arrested at Samastipur during the Rath Yatra in 1990," Shivanand said.

"Advani ji was placed under house arrest and was sent to a guest house at Massanjore by helicopter along with Ashok Singhal. A cook, helper and doctors were deputed there. Every day, Laluji used to speak to Advani ji over phone. Advaniji's wife and daughter came to Patna and were planning to go to Massanjore by road. As soon as Lalu ji came to know, he sent them by state helicopter. This is why he is a mass leader."