Patna: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi visited RJD supremo Lalu Prasad at his residence on Monday to inquire about his well-being. RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav was also present during the meeting, which brought renewed attention to the longstanding political relationship between the two leaders.
Following the interaction, Lalu Prasad shared photographs on X, recalling the political journey of the Congress and the RJD during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
Lalu Prasad Recalls UPA-Era Initiatives
In his remarks, Lalu Prasad highlighted welfare initiatives and development measures undertaken during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. He referred to schemes and legislation aimed at benefiting farmers, youth, soldiers and the general public.
He cited the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information (RTI) Act and the Right to Education (RTE) Act as significant initiatives of the UPA period.
Lalu also claimed that more than Rs 1.45 lakh crore was provided for Bihar’s development during the tenure of the UPA government, underscoring the role of the Congress-RJD partnership in the state’s development.
A Political Relationship Spanning Nearly Three Decades
The political association between Sonia Gandhi and Lalu Prasad has remained significant in national and Bihar politics for nearly three decades. Despite political changes and differences between their parties, the two leaders have maintained a longstanding relationship.
The Congress and the RJD have occasionally faced disagreements over seat-sharing arrangements in Bihar. However, such differences have not fundamentally altered the broader political association between the two parties.
Lalu Prasad’s Support For Sonia Gandhi In 1999
The relationship between the two leaders was particularly evident in 1999, when Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin became a major political issue within the Congress.
Several leaders, including Sharad Pawar and P A Sangma, opposed her leadership and eventually left the party. Lalu Prasad, however, remained among the prominent political leaders who publicly supported Sonia Gandhi.
His support during that period reinforced the political understanding between the Congress and the RJD.
Congress-RJD Ties Continued Amid Legal Challenges
The political relationship between the two parties also continued during periods when Lalu Prasad faced legal challenges related to the fodder scam.
Their shared commitment to secular politics and opposition to the BJP remained important factors in sustaining the alliance. The Congress and the RJD continued to cooperate in national and state-level politics despite occasional disagreements.
Lalu Prasad’s Role In UPA-I Government
After the UPA government came to power in 2004, Lalu Prasad was appointed Railway Minister. He became a prominent ally of the Manmohan Singh-led government and played a significant role in the coalition.
His position within the UPA-I government reflected the importance of the RJD in the Congress-led alliance and the political understanding between Sonia Gandhi and Lalu Prasad.
Personal Rapport Beyond Political Alliances
The relationship between Sonia Gandhi and Lalu Prasad has also been marked by mutual respect. Lalu Prasad has frequently expressed his regard for Sonia Gandhi, while her leadership has acknowledged the RJD chief’s political influence and support base in Bihar.
Monday’s meeting, held in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav, has once again brought the longstanding Congress-RJD relationship into the political spotlight.
Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Lalu Prasad’s residence is being viewed in the context of the enduring association between the two leaders, which has remained an important foundation of the Congress-RJD alliance over the years.
