Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) lawmaker’s remark
comparing party chief Lalu Prasad to Hindu deities has reignited a debate around the use of
religion in politics.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of Dr BR Ambedkar's statue at Gaighat in Muzaffarpur
district, member of legislative council (MLC) Urmila Thakur called Lalu Prasad, a former
Bihar chief minister, a "living god on earth after Lord Shiva," raising critical questions about
whether leaders are exploiting faith for electoral gains rather than focusing on public issues.
In her provocative declaration, Thakur said: "If there is any other living god after Shiva, god
on earth or god who gives blessings, then it is Lalu Prasad Yadav. The person who has made
the daughter of a person like me, whose father used to work as a barber, sit in the legislative
council, is none other than Lalu Prasad Yadav.”
Drawing parallels between Lord Shiva and Lalu Prasad, Thakur said Shiva was the leader of
the poor, so is Lalu ji." Elaborating on this comparison, she said “Shiva was the leader of the
poor. His chariot was a bull and Mother Parvati’s ride was a tiger, but they coexisted
peacefully. Similarly, Lalu ji has done good to the society by bringing together the poor,
backward and Dalits.”
The MLC also compared Lalu Prasad to other revered figures, including Lord Ram, Lord
Krishna, and Bhishma Pitamah. “Just as no one can replace Bhishma Pitamah, Krishna and
Ram, no one will be able to replace Lalu ji,” she added.
The statement, just months ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, likely to be held in
October-November, has intensified the political climate in the state. While RJD supporters
view it as a symbol of respect and reverence for their leader, Bharatiya Janata Party and
Janata Dal (United) leaders have condemned it as “extreme political sycophancy”. Criticising
the statement as playing with religious sentiments, the BJP and JD(U) have demanded action
from the Election Commission.