Patna (Bihar), June 14: Veteran politician Mangani Lal Mandal has been appointed as the new Bihar state president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), replacing Jagadanand Singh, party leader Tejashwi Yadav announced on Saturday.
Tejashwi praised Mandal’s decades-long contribution to socialist politics, calling him an experienced leader who has served in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
“He has raised the voices of the people, worked with my father [Lalu Prasad Yadav] for years, and helped take socialist politics forward. We’re happy that he has accepted the nomination as state president,” Tejashwi said.
Political Attacks on Nitish Kumar Government
Tejashwi also used the occasion to sharply criticize the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, calling it a failure on all fronts.
“Our party raises people’s issues. People want change. This government has failed in all departments, and their own NITI Aayog report confirms it,” he stated, reinforcing the RJD’s campaign for transformation in Bihar.
Controversy Over Lalu Yadav’s Birthday
Meanwhile, a political row has erupted over Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 78th birthday celebrations, during which he was seen cutting a cake with a sword. Critics have also alleged disrespect to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, citing how his photo was displayed.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched a scathing attack:
“Lalu Yadav is trying to become a king and murder democracy. Insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar’s photo during the celebrations was shameful,” he said.
On Lalu using a sword to cut his birthday cake, Choudhary added:
“This is criminal mentality. Today it’s a sword, tomorrow it will be an AK-47 if he returns to power.”
Bihar Elections Loom
These developments come ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections, expected later this year. The Election Commission has yet to announce the official dates, but the political temperature in the state is clearly rising.