Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) sitting MLA Ritlal Yadav staked his claim on the Danapur Assembly constituency by filing his nomination from judicial custody on Thursday.
Ritlal Yadav, who is currently being held at Bhagalpur’s Special Central Jail in connection with an extortion case, saw his nomination met with a enthusiastic response from a large contingent of his supporters.
Gratitude and a Political Jab
During his brief interaction following the nomination process, Ritlal expressed his deep appreciation for the RJD’s top leadership. “I want to express my gratitude to Lalu Yadav and Misa Bharti,” he stated, adding that he would stand by them “wherever they are.”
However, his primary political focus was reserved for his formidable opponent, BJP’s Ramkripal Yadav, who is contesting the same seat. Taking a direct aim at the former RJD leader, Ritlal questioned Ramkripal’s long political journey: “He was in the RJD for 27 years and wanted everything: he served as an MP, MLC, General Secretary, and is now contesting for MLA. Where will the people here go?”
Promises for the Diara Region
Highlighting key issues in his constituency, Ritlal made two significant, unfulfilled promises for the Diara region a central plank of his campaign. He vowed to establish a much-needed vegetable market and a 500-bed hospital in the area—projects he claims have been pending for too long. He pledged that addressing these two issues would be his first priority should he win the election.
Ritlal voluntarily surrendered in the Danapur court in April following accusations of extorting money from a builder and issuing threats. He was initially lodged at Beur Jail before being transferred to Bhagalpur Jail, citing security reasons.
