Lalu rules poll arena despite NDA ‘jungle raj’ barbs

PATNA: The endless talk of jungle raj, fodder scam, rule by proxy (Rabri’s tenure) and nepotism notwithstanding, RJD chief Lalu Prasad continues to be the mainstay of Mahagathbandhan’s poll campaign.
Lalu is seen as the only person who can counter barbs of the NDA leaders, including PM Narendra Modi. His charishma is such that despite health problem, Lalu is addressing not less than six meetings for Mahagathbandhan on any given day.There are days when he addresses even eight meetings crisscrossing the constituencies in his ‘udan khatola’ (helicopter).
The tally is higher than that of Mahagathbandhan’s CM candidate Nitish Kumar, whose party JD(U) is also contesting 101 seats. Nitish has addressed not more than six meetings in a day so far. He generally confines himself to five meetings per day.
BJP leaders, including NaMo, often talk of jungle raj, Lalu’s conviction in a fodder scam case because of which he is not able to contest election. But they also know Lalu continues to have a strong following among his supporters, especially the Yadavs. A senior JD(U) leader admitted that one of the important reasons why Nitish joined hands with Lalu for the state assembly election was his sway over the masses and ability to counter barbs.
“We wanted to consolidate the Yadav vote bank and no other person than Lalu could have been a better bet,” said the JD(U) leader adding that same thing was kept in mind in ticket distribution with the Mahagathbandhan giving over 25% seats to Yadavs.
A senior RJD legislator pointed that Lalu is taxing himself and not taking care of health to establish his sons in politics. “Lalu is worried about future of his party and this election has given him the opportunity to increase the RJD tally in the assembly from 22 to anywhere between 50-60. If his sons win, he will pass on the baton to one of them,” the legislator said.
RJD national spokesman Manoj Jha said jungle raj, nepotism and proxy rule are all created by media and section of the society which does not believe in ‘real equality’.
“Since all the allegations goes against the basic principle of equality, justice and secularism for which Lalu is known, his charisma continues even after conviction. People still follow him blindly because he stands for justice,” said Jha, adding that political parties and organizations will continue to associate with him even in future.