BJP accuses Lalu Prasad of Ambedkar insult

Patna

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday accused RJD chief Lalu Prasad of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by allowing a portrait of the Dalit icon to be placed near his feet. Choudhary shared a video of the incident that took place during Lalu’s 78th birthday celebration. In the clip, a supporter places Ambedkar's portrait close to Lalu’s feet as he sits on a couch.

Choudhary alleged that this act reflected Lalu's disregard for Dalits and accused him of having no respect for Ambedkar. He claimed that this arrogance had driven away key allies like Nitish Kumar and George Fernandes, and weakened RJD’s support among marginalized communities.

The incident sparked strong reactions from Dalit BJP leaders. Minister Janak Ram demanded an apology from Lalu’s family, saying it was shameful for Bihar's people. He also criticized the symbolic cutting of the cake with a sword, calling it a sign of the RJD’s preference for muscle power over democracy.

BJP state vice president Anamika Paswan also condemned the act, pointing out that Lalu didn’t even try to lift the portrait. She reminded the public of a past incident where an Ambedkar portrait was found in a garbage dump at the RJD office.

RJD leaders, speaking off the record, said the act was unintentional but admitted that the party must avoid such controversies, especially with assembly elections approaching. They acknowledged concerns about potential backlash from the Dalit community.