Lalu’s Vulgar Remark on Mahila Samvad Yatra Sparks Political Firestorm in Bihar

Veteran leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav sparked controversy on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, with Vulgar remarks about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s upcoming women-centric outreach program. Speaking about the statewide “Mahila Samvad Yatra,” slated for mid-December, the RJD chief remarked to the media, “Nayan sekne ja rahe hain” (going to ogle at women). His statement has stirred tension in Bihar and drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

Reacting to Lalu’s comment, JDU national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad criticized him sharply. Prasad told The Sunday Guardian that Lalu’s mental balance has deteriorated due to frustration and panic following repeated electoral defeats. He accused Lalu of violating political decorum, adding that “even the word ‘shame’ must feel ashamed” of his remark. Prasad highlighted the crushing defeat of the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan in the recent Lok Sabha elections and the by-elections for four assembly seats, suggesting that the party faces an existential crisis ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections. He expressed confidence that the NDA, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, would secure a decisive victory in the assembly polls, continuing Bihar’s development journey. Prasad pointed to Bihar’s growing GSDP, rising per capita income, and record achievements across sectors as evidence of progress under the current leadership.

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary also condemned Lalu’s statement, calling it unfortunate. “The Chief Minister is undertaking an outreach program to interact with women, and the kind of language used by Mr. Prasad is deeply concerning. Earlier, we believed his health issues were physical, but now it seems he is mentally unwell as well,” Choudhary remarked.

The “Mahila Samvad Yatra,” proposed by Bihar’s rural development department, is viewed as a significant initiative ahead of the 2025 state assembly elections. The month-long program will see Chief Minister Nitish Kumar touring Bihar to engage directly with women, addressing issues affecting their lives. The outreach is expected to include announcements of new schemes and benefits for women. The state cabinet has allocated a budget of ₹225.78 crore for the program, emphasizing themes of women’s empowerment under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

Political analysts view the initiative as a strategic move by Nitish Kumar, who enjoys substantial popularity among Bihar’s women voters due to policies like the liquor ban and the bicycle distribution scheme for schoolgirls. The “Mahila Samvad Yatra” will provide an opportunity to gauge women’s responses to the Chief Minister’s efforts and could further consolidate his support among them.