Lalu Prasad’s absence takes heavy toll on RJD, other GA allies

PATNA: RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s absence from the electoral scene for the first time since 1977 seems to have taken a heavy toll on the Grand Alliance performance in the Lok Sabha elections in state.
Although his son and heir apparent Tejashwi Prasad Yadav drew huge crowds in his election rallies, he failed to strike a chord with people like his father. “Lalu ji is Lalu ji. There is no replacement for him. But that is not the only factor, which led to the party’s drubbings in the Lok Sabha election,” RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwari said.
RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said the Grand Alliance performance would have been better had Lalu ji been out of jail. “Lalu ji is the biggest crowd-puller and a tireless campaigner. In fact, not only the party leaders but also the people missed him in the elections,” he opined.
In Lalu’s absence, there was no senior leader to boost the morale of RJD workers. A senior RJD leader said, “Lalu’s absence was felt right from the beginning when the poll scheduled was announced and the seat-sharing process among the Grand Alliance constituents was delayed. Moreover, the GA leaders lacked coordination during the campaigning and most of the election rallies were addressed by the star campaigners separately, which sent a wrong message among the electorate.”
Another leader said the GA partners, including RLSP, VIP and HAM(S), exploited the situation and bagged more seats than they deserved because of Lalu’s absence.
The situation came to such a passé that even his family members were not allowed to interact with Lalu in the hospital where he is undergoing treatment in judicial custody. “The NDA leaders knew it very well. That’s why they made it sure that he is not released on bail before elections,” said Maner RJD MLA Bhai Birendra.
Another leader said it was for the first time that RJD contested less seats. “This happened because Lalu ji is in jail,” he added.