Patna: The political scenario in Bihar has heated up yet again with the NDA accusing Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad of insulting Dr B R Ambedkar by allowing his portrait to be placed near his feet. Caste plays an important role in politics in Bihar and certain other states and the NDA believes that it has latched on to an important issue ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, scheduled to be held later this year.
The reactions began to pour in after a purported video of Lalu’s 78th birthday celebrations started doing the rounds on social media. In the video, an RJD worker can be seen gifting Lalu a portrait of Dr Ambedkar and holding it close to his feet. The former railway minister continued to pose for photographs, while the portrait remained there.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary called the incident “an unpardonable insult to Dr Ambedkar and the Dalit community,” adding that it marked “a black chapter in Bihar’s political history”. He also demanded a public apology from the RJD patriarch.
“It is extremely unfortunate that on Laluji’s birthday, such an insult to Baba Ambedkar took place. There can be no greater shame for democracy. This incident is a clear symbol of a dark chapter for the RJD… It reflects the mindset of those who have always used Dalit votes but have little regard for their icons,” Choudhary said.
Lalu had “consistently humiliated the backward, most backward, and Dalit communities in Bihar,” he further alleged.
Union Minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi also condemned the incident, accusing the RJD chief of “disrespecting” everyone.
“Placing Dr Ambedkar’s photo at his feet is a huge insult to our God and to all Dalits. I am not surprised. The public may see this as something new… But they must realise that if he can insult everyone, why would he spare Baba Saheb? Society is watching and understanding everything, and I believe even Laluji’s own community will not tolerate this arrogance,” Manjhi said.
Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called the incident a “grave insult” to the Constitution. “Ambedkar stands as a pillar of our Constitution and embodies social justice. Such behaviour reveals a feudal mentality,” he said.
Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary, who represents the Samastipur seat, echoed similar views. Accusing the RJD of “deceiving Dalit and Mahadalit communities,” Choudhary said: “The RJD is continuously misleading the Dalit and Mahadalit communities who have stood by them. Yet, whenever given the chance, they end up disrespecting Dalits and their rights.”
She added: “Ambedkar ji fought for our rights and gave us a voice and strength. This is a moment for the people of Bihar to become aware… If they (RJD) truly respect Dalits, how could they allow Ambedkar ji’s portrait to be placed at their feet? Lalu Yadav did not even react or ask for the photo to be moved. He was happy to have Ambedkar ji’s photo at his feet.”
The RJD dismissed the NDA leaders’ allegations as “politically motivated”. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said the video was “deliberately misrepresented” to malign Lalu’s image and polarise Dalit voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
“It’s BJP’s propaganda. They don’t have any topic. BJP themselves have been known for disrespecting Baba Sahab. Lalu ji has always championed the cause of social justice and has the highest respect for Dr Ambedkar. They are distorting facts for electoral gains,” he said.
