In a rare public appearance amid ongoing health challenges, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad addressed a large rally in Belaganj, Bihar, hours before the campaign deadline for the by-polls to four assembly constituencies.
The former chief minister, known for his wit and earthy expressions, urged supporters to “uproot the BJP and the RSS like you pluck radishes from your fields.”
Prasad's rally supported RJD candidate Vishwanath Kumar Singh, son of Jehanabad MP Surendra Prasad Yadav, a prominent figure in the area.
The RJD faces significant competition from JD(U)'s candidate Manorama Devi, a former Member of the Legislative Council, along with newcomer Mohd Amjad from Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj.
Kishor, a recent entrant into the political fray, conducted a roadshow in Belaganj and took aim at the RJD, accusing it of “leaving no stone unturned to ensure the defeat of a Muslim candidate.”
He criticised Prasad's campaign presence, noting, “It shows the desperation of the RJD that Lalu Prasad, who did not canvass for any candidate except his own daughter in Lok Sabha polls, has campaigned in an assembly by-election.”
RJD’s performance in this by-poll will be closely watched. In Ramgarh, RJD’s Ajit Kumar Singh is vying to retain his seat following the departure of his brother Sudhakar Singh, now a Member of Parliament from Buxar. The BJP aims to reclaim Ramgarh by fielding former MLA Ashok Kumar Singh.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc partner CPI(ML) is looking to hold Tarari, where CPI(ML) candidate Raju Yadav competes to keep the seat won by Sudama Prasad, now an MP representing Arrah.
In Imamganj, a reserved seat, Union minister and ex-chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s daughter-in-law Deepa Manjhi is competing under the Hindustani Awam Morcha banner, aiming to retain her father-in-law’s legacy.
The RJD has fielded Raushan Manjhi, a political newcomer, in the same constituency.
Jan Suraaj, Kishor's new party, has fielded multiple candidates, including Sushil Kushwaha in Ramgarh, Kiran Singh in Tarari, and Jitendra Paswan in Imamganj.
With its “school bag” poll symbol, the party has attempted to create a distinct identity since its inception last month.
As the campaign for these assembly seats concludes, Prasad's words are expected to energise his supporters, but the RJD faces a challenging battle in the by-polls, with rivals from BJP, JD(U), CPI(ML), and Jan Suraaj all vying for influence.
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