The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, accusing him of insulting Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, during his recent birthday celebrations.

The controversy erupted after the BJP media cell circulated a video in which Lalu Prasad, seated on a couch, is seen receiving a portrait of Dr Ambedkar from a supporter. The portrait was placed near his feet, which triggered massive outrage among BJP and JD(U) leaders who termed it as a disrespectful gesture.

BJP terms act shameful and undemocratic

BJP Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary addressed the media at his Patna residence and condemned the act, calling it shameful and unacceptable in a democracy.

It is very unfortunate that such a shameful act took place in democracy. The act proves that he considers himself a king and does not have any respect for anyone, Mr Choudhary said, while showing the video on a tablet.

He added, Not giving respect to anyone and insulting everyone is in the DNA of Lalu Prasad. If there is anyone who has always insulted backward, extremely backward and Adivasi communities, it is the former Chief Minister of Bihar.

Mr Choudhary accused Lalu Prasad of hating Dalits, claiming that the act reflected a deep-seated contempt for marginalised communities. He also said the RJD supremo did not respect his own party workers and leaders, describing his leadership style as feudal and autocratic.

Vijay Sinha calls Lalu a social criminal

BJP leader and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha went further, labeling Mr Prasad as a social criminal. He said that Lalu Prasad has a history of undermining social justice and exploiting marginalised communities for political mileage.

JD(U) joins attack, cites Bahujan insult

JD(U) State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha echoed the BJP's concerns and said the act was a direct insult to the self-respect of the Bahujan Samaj. In a strongly worded statement, he said that this incident exposed the real mentality of RJD and the hollowness of its social justice plank.

Lalu Prasad has once again proved that he is a symbol of political feudalism. For him, socialism is just an election slogan used to confuse common people and enjoy power. It is meaningless to expect respect for Baba Saheb’s ideas from a party where democracy and ideology are a mere show, he said.

Dalit atrocities during Lalu-Rabri era cited

Mr Kushwaha reminded that during the 15-year rule of Lalu-Rabri Devi, Dalit and backward communities were the worst affected by what he described as Jungle Raj. He alleged that power-protected criminals carried out caste massacres, with many Dalits becoming victims.

These incidents took place right under the nose of the Lalu family, which clearly shows that their mentality has been to suppress the deprived society from the very beginning, he said, adding that people of Bihar will neither accept nor forgive such arrogance and disrespect.

RJD yet to respond officially

As of Monday morning, the RJD has not issued an official response to the allegations. However, sources close to the party claimed that the video was being misinterpreted, and that the placement of the portrait near Lalu Prasad’s feet was not intentional.

They further alleged that the BJP was trying to politicise a non-issue to distract from governance failures and rising social tensions in the State.

Political implications ahead of polls

This controversy comes at a time when political temperatures in Bihar are already rising, with by-elections and future Lok Sabha strategies being worked out across alliances.

By invoking Dr Ambedkar, a figure of immense reverence among Dalits and marginalised communities, the BJP and JD(U) seem keen on projecting Lalu Prasad and the RJD as anti-Dalit and anti-social justice, which may have electoral consequences in a State where caste and identity politics play a major role.

The incident is likely to remain a talking point in Bihar’s political circles, especially among Dalit and backward communities who revere Dr Ambedkar as a symbol of dignity and rights.

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