‘Insult to Dalits': NDA turns heat on Lalu over Ambedkar video, RJD hits back

Indian Express

10 hours ago

A video from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's 78th birthday event on Wednesday has set off a political storm in Bihar.
In the video circulating on social media, an RJD worker can be seen gifting Lalu a portrait of B R Ambedkar and holding it close to his feet. The RJD chief continued to pose for photographs, while the portrait remained at this position.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the RJD's rival parties, particularly the ruling BJP and its NDA allies, who have accused Lalu of allegedly 'insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution' and 'hurting Dalit sentiments'.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary called the incident 'an unpardonable insult to Dr Ambedkar and the Dalit community,' adding that it marked 'a black chapter in Bihar's political history'. He also demanded a public apology from the RJD patriarch. 'It is extremely unfortunate that on Lalu ji's birthday, such an insult to Baba Ambedkar took place. There can be no greater shame for democracy. This incident is a clear symbol of a dark chapter for the RJD… It reflects the mindset of those who have always used Dalit votes but have little regard for their icons,' Choudhary said.
Lalu had 'consistently humiliated the backward, most backward, and Dalit communities in Bihar,' he alleged.
Union Minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi also condemned the incident, accusing the RJD chief of 'disrespecting' everyone.
'Placing Dr Ambedkar's photo at his feet is a huge insult to our god and to all Dalits. I am not surprised. The public may see this as something new… But they must realise that if he can insult everyone, why would he spare Baba saheb? Society is watching and understanding everything, and I believe even Lalu ji's own community will not tolerate this arrogance,' Manjhi said.
Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called the incident a 'grave insult' to the Constitution. 'Ambedkar stands as a pillar of our Constitution and embodies social justice. Such behaviour reveals a feudal mentality,' he said.
Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary, who represents the Samastipur seat, echoed similar views. Accusing the RJD of 'deceiving Dalit and Mahadalit communities,' Choudhary said: 'The RJD is continuously misleading the Dalit and Mahadalit communities who have stood by them. Yet, whenever given the chance, they end up disrespecting Dalits and their rights.'
She added: 'Ambedkar ji fought for our rights and gave us a voice and strength. This is a moment for the people of Bihar to become aware… If they (RJD) truly respect Dalits, how could they allow Ambedkar ji's portrait to be placed at their feet? Lalu Yadav did not even react or ask for the photo to be moved. He was happy to have Ambedkar ji's photo at his feet.'
On its part, the RJD however dismissed the NDA leaders' allegations as 'politically motivated'. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said the video was 'deliberately misrepresented' to malign Lalu's image and polarise Dalit voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
'It's BJP's propaganda. They don't have any topic. BJP themselves have been known for disrespecting Baba Sahab. Lalu ji has always championed the cause of social justice and has the highest respect for Dr Ambedkar. They are distorting facts for electoral gains,' he said.