Patna: As Bihar prepares for the first phase of voting on November 6, political activity has reached fever pitch, with leaders across parties canvassing for their candidates. On Monday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad hit the campaign trail for the first time in the ensuing Bihar Assembly elections, leading a high-energy roadshow in support of jailed party candidate Ritlal Yadav from the Danapur assembly segment and CPI (ML)’s Divya Gautam from Digha.
Lalu’s roadshow, stretching nearly 15 kilometres from Digha to Khagaul, which started around 4pm, is drawing thousands of supporters lining the streets, waving party flags and chanting slogans. His daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti is accompanying him in the event, as crowds gather on rooftops and along roadsides to catch a glimpse of the veteran leader.
In several places, supporters welcomed Lalu with flower petals — even using a JCB machine to shower blossoms on his convoy. “This is a crowd for change,” said a local RJD worker. “Even today, the world is madly in love with Lalu Yadav. The love affair continues.”
The campaign marks Lalu’s first active participation in the ongoing election season, as the RJD intensifies efforts to consolidate its voter base in Patna district. Ritlal Yadav, the party’s Danapur candidate and a strong local figure, is currently lodged in jail, while the RJD seeks to capitalise on his influence through symbolic campaigning led by senior leaders and family members.
