Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav departed Patna for New Delhi on Monday, 20 July, to continue advanced medical treatment at AIIMS New Delhi following a sudden health scare last week. He was accompanied by his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti, and elder son Tej Pratap Yadav.

What Triggered the Emergency

Yadav's health deteriorated unexpectedly on Friday, prompting his admission to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna. Doctors conducted a detailed medical evaluation, including an ECG and a comprehensive eye examination led by Dr. Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at IGIMS. After nearly two hours of observation, he was discharged once his condition stabilised.

What Misa Bharti Said

Speaking to reporters before departing Patna, Misa Bharti said her father's condition had improved and that specialist care would continue in Delhi. 'Lalu Prasad's condition is much better now. He is already under treatment at AIIMS Delhi, and further consultation and treatment will continue there,' she said. She also attributed part of his discomfort to what she described as poor sanitation conditions in Patna's Kautilya Nagar area.

A Long History of Medical Complications

Yadav has been under continuous medical supervision following a kidney transplant. Approximately two months ago, he travelled to Singapore for a routine post-transplant check-up after obtaining permission from a Delhi court. Doctors have advised medical reviews every three months, though regular follow-ups had reportedly been disrupted over the past year. During examinations in December 2025, doctors diagnosed cataracts and retinal problems; he subsequently underwent successful cataract and retinal surgery at a private eye hospital in Delhi and has since been on periodic follow-up care.

Political Remarks on the Sidelines

Misa Bharti also used the occasion to criticise the Bihar state administration, questioning why senior district officials — including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police — were reportedly accompanying the wife of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during a college inspection. 'The government should decide whether she is entitled to security cover... The government should ask under what authority they were there to serve the Chief Minister's wife instead of the public,' she remarked. The state government has not responded to the remarks as of publication.

What Happens Next

Doctors at AIIMS New Delhi are expected to conduct further evaluations to monitor Yadav's overall health and advance his long-term treatment plan. Given that follow-ups are mandated every three months, this visit is also likely to include a comprehensive post-transplant review. Yadav's health has been a recurring political and personal flashpoint, and his medical condition will continue to be closely watched by both supporters and political observers.