Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has once again courted controversy with a derogatory remark targeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The remark, made in reference to Kumar’s upcoming Mahila Samvad Yatra, has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders across the spectrum.
Speaking about the initiative aimed at engaging women directly, Lalu Yadav commented, “They are going to ogle at women.”
Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan condemned Yadav’s statement, calling it a reflection of a “deplorable mindset.” He said, “Lalu must not know how the people of Bihar tolerated him in the past. Their true character has now been revealed.”
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary described the remarks as “unfortunate,” suggesting that Yadav should seek medical attention. “Lalu Yadav should consider going to a hospital,” Chaudhary remarked.
Bihar Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha echoed these sentiments, stating, “Laluji is on the last stage… he is unable to understand things and says anything.”
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Even opposition leaders have joined the criticism. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the remark as “sexist,” adding, “Even Lalu’s own family members might advise him to refrain from making such statements.”
Mahila Samvad Yatra: An Empowerment Initiative
Nitish Kumar’s Mahila Samvad Yatra, slated to begin on December 15, is part of the Bihar government’s efforts to engage with women at the grassroots level. The initiative seeks to review the implementation of the state’s 7-Resolves programme while strengthening women’s participation in governance.
In another development, Lalu Yadav has backed Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties. “Congress’s objection means nothing. We will support Mamata… Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership,” he said.
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This comes amid the TMC’s growing push for Banerjee to assume the role. Party MP Kirti Azad recently hailed her as the “most suitable” candidate, citing her electoral successes against the BJP in West Bengal.
However, not all INDIA bloc members are on the same page. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Majhi stated that her party has not issued a formal stance on the matter, emphasizing that a decision would be made collectively during upcoming discussions.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders seized the opportunity to criticize the bloc’s leadership tussles. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma remarked, “They don’t consider anyone their leader; they consider themselves the leader,” highlighting a perceived lack of cohesion within the alliance.
A Dual Controversy
Lalu Yadav’s remarks have stirred strong reactions, both for their sexist undertone and for his vocal support of Mamata Banerjee in the INDIA bloc leadership race. As Bihar’s political landscape heats up, the developments could have significant implications for alliances and governance in the state.
