Lalu Prasad, the 77-year-old founder of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), appeared in his first and only roadshow for the first phase of Assembly polls scheduled for November 6. He campaigned for party candidate Ritlal Yadav, the sitting MLA from Danapur, a constituency Lalu himself won twice in the past. The seat falls under Patlipura, represented by Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti. The RJD has used Lalu sparingly during these elections as son Tejashwi Yadav tries to distance himself from allegations of jungle raj associated with his father's tenure as Chief Minister. Ritlal Yadav, currently imprisoned in Bhagalpur Central Jail over extortion charges, faces over 40 criminal cases including murder and rioting. Despite local fears about crime and extortion, many supporters credit Lalu for empowering backward castes and providing dignity. The BJP has fielded Ram Kripal Yadav, a former Lalu aide, hoping to split the Yadav vote. Amid fatigue with Nitish Kumar's 20-year rule, voters face a choice between fear of the past and desire for change, with unemployment remaining a key concern.
Ritlal Yadav's Criminal Record and Local Sentiment
Ritlal Yadav has over 40 criminal cases against him, including charges of murder, extortion, rioting, and criminal intimidation. He is currently held in Bhagalpur Central Jail following an alleged Rs 50 lakh extortion case filed by a Danapur builder in April this year. He first gained notoriety in 2003 when accused in the murder of BJP leader Satyanarayan Sinha. Despite imprisonment, he won as an Independent MLC in 2015 and later secured the 2020 Assembly election as an RJD candidate. Many locals fear his influence, with business owners alleging his network demands money and contributes to rising crime. However, supporters defend him for helping the poor and never turning away those seeking assistance.
Electoral Battle and Voter Concerns in Danapur
Danapur, one of 14 Assembly constituencies in Patna district, was won by Lalu in 1995 and 2000. The BJP has fielded Ram Kripal Yadav, a former Union minister and ex-Lalu aide who left RJD in 2014. He defeated Misa Bharti in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections but lost narrowly in 2024. The BJP hopes to split the Yadav vote and capture Danapur. Many voters express fatigue with Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister for 20 years, citing unemployment despite infrastructure improvements. Young voters preparing for government jobs and small business owners prioritize employment over everything else, contemplating change despite apprehensions about RJD's past governance style.
Source: Link