RJD chief Lalu Prasad to return Patna after 3 years, likely to hit campaign trail

PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad will reach Patna on Sunday after a gap of over three years. He will land at the airport in the afternoon along with his wife Rabri Devi and elder daughter Misa Bharti.
Lalu’s arrival ahead of byelection in two assembly constituencies – Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga and Tarapur in Munger – is expected to invigorate RJD workers. The two constituencies will go to polls on October 30.
Sources said Lalu would address at least one meeting each at Kusheshwar Asthan and Tarapur.
“A final decision regarding the campaign will be taken after Lalu’s arrival,” said a senior RJD leader.
RJD’s national vice-president Shivanand Tirawi said Lalu’s arrival would enthuse party workers. “Old-timers who have worked with the RJD chief will be happy to see him back,” Tiwari said.
Lalu’s arrival will also give a shot in the arm to leader of opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who had to face the wrath of his elder brother Tej Pratap.
Tejashwi has been campaigning vigorously against JD(U) and Congress candidates in the two constituencies.
It is almost after a gap of three-and-a-half years that Lalu is coming to Patna. He had last come to Patna in May 2018 on a parole to attend his elder son Tej Pratap’s wedding.
After his release from the jail in April this year, Lalu was undergoing treatment in Delhi where he had been staying at the house of Misa.
Sources said keeping in mind Lalu’s health, the family has decided to curtail public meetings. A special room has been prepared for Lalu at Rabri’s official 10, Circular Road bungalow with medical facilities.
“There is immense happiness in the party. Even Laluji’s family members are happy with his return. There are chances that Chhath would be observed at Rabri’s bungalow this time,” said another RJD leader.