Banner linking Rohini to Lalu Yadav’s legacy generates fresh political buzz

A banner displayed outside the RJD office in Patna on Monday, featuring Lalu Prasad Yadav and his daughter Rohini Acharya, has triggered fresh political speculation in Bihar.

The Hindi message on the banner — “Na hausala toota hai, na himmat haari hai. Main ladna jaanti hun, akele gaddaron par bhari hun. Main Lalu ji ki beti hun, mera lahu Bihari aur rag-rag mein khuddari hai” (“My courage remains unbroken, and my determination undiminished. I know how to fight; alone, I am stronger than the traitors. I am Lalu Ji’s daughter; Bihar runs in my blood and self-respect through every vein”) — has sparked intense discussion in political circles.

Advertisement

Observers believe the message on the banner, which appeared a day after Lalu Yadav joined Rohini’s birthday celebration in Singapore, is not merely emotional but also carries deeper political implications.

The development comes shortly after Rohini’s decision to stay away from the grand birthday celebration of Tejashwi Yadav’s son, Iraj, held in Ghaziabad on 27 May.

There had been speculation that the event would bring together the entire Lalu-Rabri family and that Rohini Acharya might be nominated as the RJD’s candidate for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections. However, Rohini not only stayed away from the well-attended celebration but also strongly dismissed such reports, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

The banner, which appeared overnight outside the RJD office, has now raised several unanswered questions. Who put it up, under whose direction it was installed, and what its actual political message remains unclear.

The RJD has not issued any official explanation. State RJD President Mangani Lal Mandal said he was unaware of who had put up the banner. He said he himself was surprised to see it upon arriving at the party office and that the matter would be looked into.

Notably, Rohini, who frequently expresses her views on social media, has maintained silence over the banner. Her silence has further fuelled speculation.

Political analysts believe that Rohini, who has remained away from active politics for a long time, and her supporters have been attempting to maintain her relevance within the party’s political discourse.