Patna : In the run-up to the Bihar assembly elections, the battle of posters between the ruling NDA and the opposition has intensified. On Wednesday, a high-tech poster targeting Lalu Prasad and his family appeared in Patna, comparing the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) tenure to the so-called ‘Jungle Raj’ of the 1990s.
The poster, which features prominent images of Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and Tej Pratap Yadav, carries a bold message: “Bihar will never forget the atrocities of Jungle Raj.” However, what sets this poster apart is the inclusion of a QR code—reportedly the first time such technology has been used in a political poster in Bihar.
QR Code Leads to ‘Bhoolega Nahi Bihar’ Page
The poster invites viewers to “Scan to know the atrocities of Jungle Raj.” Upon scanning the QR code, users are directed to a webpage titled Bhoolega Nahi Bihar (bhuleganahibihar.com), where they are urged to take a pledge to prevent Bihar from slipping back into alleged misrule. The page highlights Lalu Prasad’s ties with former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin and references the halting of L.K. Advani’s Rath Yatra in 1990, an event that remains etched in Bihar’s political memory.
A song playing on the website echoes the sentiment: “Atrocities were committed when the people were helpless, Bihar will never forget, Bihar will never forget.” The site also offers downloadable documents titled ‘Kaala Chitha’ (black records), purportedly chronicling corruption and nepotism under the RJD’s rule.
No Party Claims Responsibility for Poster
Interestingly, the posters do not bear the name of any political party or organisation, leaving their origins a mystery. While the BJP has not officially claimed credit, JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, did not hold back in his remarks.
‘Scan and See the Terror of Lalu-Rabri Raj’
Neeraj Kumar stated, “It is unclear who put up these posters, but the new generation must be made aware of the turmoil Bihar endured under Lalu Prasad’s ideology. Scan the QR code and witness the terror of Lalu-Rabri Raj. This is crucial for Bihar’s youth.”
Corruption Allegations and Fodder Scam Resurface
The Bhoolega Nahi Bihar page also revisits corruption scandals, including the fodder scam and the ‘land-for-jobs’ scam, where Lalu Prasad and his family were accused of exchanging railway jobs for land. Allegations of corruption during the RJD’s tenure are prominently highlighted, underscoring the message that Bihar suffered severe setbacks during that period.
Tejashwi Yadav Fires Back at CM Nitish Kumar
Amidst the political crossfire, Tejashwi Yadav took a swipe at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of losing control. “The NDA is incapable of running Bihar. CM Nitish has gone into a coma, his language is deteriorating day by day. No one knows whose feet he will hold next. Only Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha are left,” Tejashwi remarked, taking aim at the BJP leadership.
