Patna: With ticket distribution heating up ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad faced protests from within his party on Friday when supporters of former MLA Saroj Yadav surrounded his car outside Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna.
The protesters, demanding a party ticket for Saroj Yadav from the Barhara constituency, blocked Lalu Yadav’s vehicle and waved placards as his convoy attempted to leave the premises. Security personnel and party workers intervened to clear the way.
Supporters argued that Saroj Yadav was the strongest candidate for Barhara and accused senior party leaders of conspiring to deny him a ticket. “My ticket is being cut under a conspiracy. If I am not nominated, I will contest as an independent candidate,” Saroj Yadav said, adding that he had been unable to reach Lalu or Tejashwi Yadav to discuss the issue.
A crucial RJD meeting was scheduled later in the day at Rabri Devi’s residence to finalise the list of candidates. Members of both the state and central parliamentary boards were expected to attend and give final approval to the names.
Meanwhile, both alliances — the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan — remain entangled in seat-sharing negotiations. The NDA has yet to resolve internal disputes, with Chirag Paswan’s demands holding up an agreement, while the Mahagathbandhan faces friction between the Congress, VIP, and Left parties.
In another development, several leaders across parties are switching sides ahead of the election. Former MP Santosh Kushwaha is reportedly preparing to leave the JD(U) for the RJD, while Rahul Sharma, son of ex-MP Jagdish Sharma, is also likely to join the RJD after being denied a ticket by the JD(U).
