RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has stirred a massive controversy with his crude remarks about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s upcoming women’s rally, the Mahila Samvad Yatra, set to begin on December 15. Lalu, in his comments, suggested that the event was merely an opportunity for people to "ogle at women," a statement that has drawn severe backlash from various political quarters.
The Mahila Samvad Yatra is a state initiative aimed at directly engaging with women across Bihar. Its primary goal is to review the progress of the government’s 7-Resolves program while addressing the concerns of women and empowering their participation in governance. The rally, expected to span multiple districts, is seen as an important step toward strengthening women’s voices in the state’s political landscape.
However, Lalu’s remarks have overshadowed the initiative. Speaking about the rally, he made an offensive comment, implying that the event would give people a chance to ogle at women. This comment was widely criticized for its vulgarity and sexism.
Rajiv Ranjan, a senior leader from Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), strongly condemned Lalu’s words. He expressed disbelief that the people of Bihar had tolerated Lalu’s leadership in the past, accusing him of revealing his "true character" with such comments. Samrat Chaudhary, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, also joined the criticism, calling the remarks "unfortunate" and suggesting that Lalu’s mental state might be deteriorating. He even humorously suggested that Lalu should seek medical attention.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha went a step further, stating that Lalu Prasad Yadav was "on the last stage" of his political career, incapable of understanding or speaking appropriately.
The criticism wasn’t confined to Bihar politics alone. Priyanka Chaturvedi, an MP from Shiv Sena, condemned Lalu’s comments as “sexist,” arguing that even Lalu’s own family might advise him to stop making such statements. This statement added fuel to the fire, further amplifying the outrage.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar’s Mahila Samvad Yatra continues to generate interest and expectations. The event, which will involve direct conversations with women, is seen as a significant effort to bridge the gap between the government and its female constituents. It also seeks to highlight and address the specific issues faced by women in the state, such as safety, employment, and social welfare.
Lalu’s controversial statement, however, has overshadowed the positive impact the rally might have. His comments have only intensified the ongoing political rivalry between him and Nitish Kumar. The incident highlights the deepening divides within Bihar’s political landscape and the heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming elections.
In a separate development, Lalu Prasad Yadav also expressed his support for Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the INDIA bloc, despite objections from Congress. His remarks came just days after the Trinamool Congress renewed its push for Mamata’s leadership. This, too, has sparked further debates within the opposition camp, adding to the ongoing political drama.