Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav has once again captured the public’s attention, this time for joyfully watching Bihar’s renowned folk dance ‘Launda Naach’ in Patna. The video of his performance, seemingly organized at his wife Rabri Devi’s official residence, has gone viral on social media platforms. Lalu, who is currently recovering from a kidney transplant surgery, is seen in the front row alongside senior party colleagues. His minister son, Tej Pratap Yadav, can also be seen sitting close to him.
Lalu Prasad Yadav is no stranger to enjoying cultural events and often takes a break from politics to participate in such activities. This performance was organized as a program in memory of Bhikhari Thakur, a prominent Bhojpuri language poet, playwright, lyricist, actor, folk dancer, folk singer, and social activist.
However, some critics have accused Lalu of employing such tactics to deceive the masses. They believe that he must realize that the state has progressed and people are not easily swayed by his actions. Santosh Kumar Suman, the HAM(S) President, commented on Lalu’s activities, stating that events like these were common during Lalu’s earlier political tenure and aim to remind the masses of those times. He urged the public to remain vigilant, citing incidents where such dances were accompanied by violence.
The RJD, on the other hand, countered these claims by stating that the event was not just a dance performance but a presentation of the popular folk dance aimed at promoting the dying art form. The party spokesperson, Shakti Singh Yadav, clarified that this was not a political stunt but an effort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bihar.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has been diversifying his activities beyond politics lately. In addition to enjoying cultural events, he has been spotted dining at a restaurant in Patna and visiting temples to seek blessings from deities. Some attribute these activities to his improved health after undergoing a kidney transplant and the formation of the INDIA bloc, a political alliance that Lalu believes will help him in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
While some view Lalu’s recent activities as an attempt to connect with the masses and revive his political career, others see it as mere diversions from the realities of Bihar’s political landscape. Only time will tell how these activities will impact Lalu’s image and his party’s prospects in the forthcoming elections.
