The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar’s main opposition party, reiterated its demand for Bharat Ratna to be conferred upon its party chief and former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the state Assembly on Wednesday.
The call was led by RJD MLA Mukesh Kumar Raushan, who introduced a private member’s Bill urging the Bihar government to recommend Lalu Prasad’s name for the country's highest civilian honour.
During the Assembly session, Raushan praised Lalu Prasad as one of the most popular leaders in India, emphasising his role in championing social justice and empowering marginalised communities.
He stated that Lalu Prasad dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and giving voice to the oppressed, making him a deserving recipient of the Bharat Ratna. He urged the Bihar government to formally submit a proposal to the central government in this regard.
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Responding to the demand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary clarified that the Bihar government had no such proposal under consideration.
He advised the RJD MLA to withdraw the private member’s Bill. However, when Raushan refused, the Bill was ultimately defeated by a voice vote.
This is not the first time RJD leaders have pushed for Bharat Ratna for Lalu Prasad. In October last year, a poster outside the RJD office in Patna prominently displayed the demand.
Additionally, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Prasad’s son and senior RJD leader, has publicly advocated for the recognition on multiple occasions. The latest Assembly debate signals the party’s continued efforts to position Lalu Prasad’s legacy as one of significant national impact.
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