Did Lalu Prasad Insult Dr. Ambedkar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dilip Jaiswal and Giriraj Singh criticized Lalu Prasad Yadav for disrespecting Dr. BR Ambedkar.
- A photograph of Ambedkar was allegedly placed at Lalu's feet.
- Demands for an apology have escalated from BJP leaders.
- The incident adds tension to the ongoing BJP-RJD conflict.
- Potential implications for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Patna, June 16 (NationPress) The chief of Bihar BJP, Dilip Jaiswal, alongside Union Minister Giriraj Singh, fiercely criticized RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday, accusing him of disrespecting Dr. BR Ambedkar, the founder of the Indian Constitution.
Jaiswal demanded an apology from Lalu and his family, asserting that a photograph of Ambedkar was positioned at Lalu's feet during his 78th birthday celebration on June 11.
“Baba Saheb Ambedkar is a savior for the Dalit community and the entire nation. Lalu Prasad Yadav has disrespected him by placing his photo at his feet. The citizens of this country will never pardon such an act,” Jaiswal stated while addressing the media.
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh supported this view, intensifying the call for an apology.
“Dr. Ambedkar is revered as a god-like figure in India. What Lalu Prasad Yadav did in arrogance—placing his photo near his feet—is appalling. He should apologize by standing in the Ganga river,” Singh remarked.
The controversy arose from visuals that emerged during Lalu’s birthday event, where a photograph of Dr. Ambedkar was observed positioned near his feet. The BJP has strongly condemned this, labeling it an act of disrespect.
Additionally, Giriraj Singh retaliated against Tejashwi Yadav, who recently accused the Nitish Kumar government of nepotism, claiming leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Ashok Choudhary had their sons-in-law appointed to significant positions in various commissions.
“The way Tejashwi Yadav is speaking is akin to a thief accusing someone of theft. He should reflect before making such claims,” the Union Minister shot back.
The RJD has not yet provided a formal response to these allegations. However, this incident has introduced a new layer to the ongoing verbal conflict between the BJP-led NDA and the RJD-led opposition, especially with the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections approaching.