On 3 November, senior RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav held a massive 15-kilometre road show in Danapur, Patna, to support sitting MLA Reetlal Yadav. The streets filled with green flags and large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the veteran politician. Reetlal, who faces 11 criminal cases including murder, extortion and threats, has been in jail since 17 April over allegations of demanding Rs 50 lakh from a builder. He came out only to file his nomination but was denied permission for campaigning by the Patna High Court. His family is now managing his election campaign. Lalu's decision to personally campaign reflects the high stakes in this constituency, where both NDA and the grand alliance have fielded Yadav candidates. The move is also seen as a response to BJP's aggressive election strategy in Danapur.
Why Lalu Chose Danapur for His First Road Show
Three main reasons explain Lalu's direct involvement. First, Reetlal is reportedly Lalu's preferred candidate, supported strongly by his daughter and MP Misa Bharti, as Danapur falls under her Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency. Second, the constituency has around 3.74 lakh voters, with Yadavs forming the largest group at approximately 22 percent. Lalu aims to consolidate this vote bank. Third, and perhaps most crucial, is defeating Ramkripal Yadav, a former close associate who rebelled in 2014 after being denied an RJD ticket, joined BJP, and defeated Misa Bharti. The Lalu family is determined to prevent Ramkripal's victory, making this contest deeply personal.
Source: Link