In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric following the Bihar assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a direct attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. The BJP has accused the veteran leader of showing clear favoritism towards his son, Tejashwi Yadav, while overlooking the significant sacrifices made by his daughters.
BJP's Allegations of Familial Bias
On Sunday, BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar took to social media to level serious allegations against the RJD patriarch. Kumar contrasted the roles played by Lalu Prasad's daughters during his major health crises with the political and property advantages seemingly accorded to his son. "When Lalu Prasad Ji needed a kidney, his daughter Rohini Acharya donated hers. When he required eye surgery, his daughter Misa Bharti ensured it happened," Kumar stated. "But when it comes to claims over property or the party, only Tejashwi comes to Lalu's mind." This critique came in the wake of Lalu's recent successful cataract and retinal surgery in New Delhi.
Context of Health and Politics
The BJP's remarks are deeply tied to Lalu Prasad's medical history. In December 2022, the former Bihar chief minister underwent a successful kidney transplant in Singapore, with his daughter Rohini Acharya acting as the donor. Acharya later entered the political arena, contesting unsuccessfully from the Saran Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general elections. More recently, Lalu underwent a combined eye procedure, which doctors confirmed was completed without complications using advanced technology.
The political attack is seen as a follow-up to the BJP's earlier criticism of the RJD's poor performance in the recent Bihar assembly elections. By highlighting the perceived disparity in treatment between Lalu's son and daughters, the BJP aims to frame a narrative of dynastic politics and gender bias within the opposition party.
RJD's Furious Counterattack
The RJD reacted swiftly and strongly to the BJP's comments, dismissing them as a malicious invasion of privacy. Shakti Singh Yadav, the state RJD chief spokesperson, retaliated on Sunday. He accused the BJP of deliberately diverting public attention from substantive governance issues. "The BJP is raising this personal matter only to distract people from the real issues facing the state and the country," Yadav asserted. He emphasized that the comments were a clear violation of the right to privacy of an individual and his family.
This exchange marks a new low in the political discourse of Bihar, shifting focus from policy debates to personal and familial matters. It underscores the intense rivalry between the BJP and the RJD as they position themselves for future electoral battles, with each side attempting to exploit perceived weaknesses in the other's public image.
