RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav made a rare public appearance as he addressed his party’s 25th anniversary through video conference calling his cadre to continue struggle against the forces trying to tear the social fabric of the country.
“Earlier they talked about Ayodhya, now they are talking about Mathura. What does this mean? They will do anything to destroy the society to retain power. Our cadre will fight it,“ Yadav said through video conference streamed lived across Bihar. “It is not only an economic crisis before the country but also the social fabric is being torn.”
The main function was organised in Patna where party leaders attended.
The 73-year-old who is recuperating in Delhi appeared a shadow of his former self as he spoke for over 30 minutes. He is currently residing in his daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharati’s official residence, while his treatment was on at AIIMS. “My son Tejashwi Yadav and wife Rabri Devi saved me as they flew me to AIIMS from Ranchi where I would not have survived,” RJD patriarch said.
During his speech, it was clear he was relying on his elder son Tejashwi Yadav to lead the campaign and party.
Lalu was serving jail term in Ranchi in the fodder scam case. He was given bail in April. “I was tormented as I could not campaign in parliamentary and assembly elections. I will always regret it,” Lalu said, as he recalled his journey in the state, talking about social justice, “reign of the poor”, Mandal commission, party’s position in running government at the Centre and the state.
Lalu’s address was aimed to revive the party cadre and to urge his captive vote bank of Yadavs and Muslims to stay within the fold. He said he will soon visit Patna and travel throughout the state to engage with the people. It may prove to be a shot in the arm for the opposition, given Lalu's popularity in the state and his ability to cobble alliances.
Both Lalu and his son Tejashwi recalled the contributions of Ram Vilas Paswan as the party’s foundation day coincides with the late Dalit leader’s birth anniversary. Ram Vilas Paswan’s son Chirag Paswan started his Ashirwad Yatra on Monday to claim his party and father’s legacy. The state will closely watch the bonhomie between Chirag and Tejashwi in the coming days for any new political realignment. However, the RJD may have to be patient till Chirag leaves the BJP alliance completely. Chirag still continues to express his affection for BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
