Will Mangani Lal Mandal Lead Bihar as RJD Chief?

Patna, June 14 (NationPress) Renowned socialist figure and former JD(U) national vice-president Mangani Lal Mandal is poised to take the helm as the next state president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. This elevation signifies a noteworthy political shift, particularly as Bihar approaches a pivotal election period.

Mandal submitted his nomination for the esteemed party position on Saturday, accompanied by RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Pataliputra MP Misa Bharti, and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.

Should no additional nominations be submitted by June 19, Mandal’s election will be virtually uncontested. He will officially assume the role of state president once the nomination process concludes.

Post-nomination, Tejashwi Yadav praised Mangani Lal Mandal as an “experienced and dedicated socialist leader” and reiterated the party’s aim to instigate change in Bihar.

“We are thrilled to propose Mangani Lal Mandal for the position of state president. He has served as a minister in Bihar, an MP at the national level, and has tirelessly advocated for the underprivileged,” Tejashwi stated.

“Mandal is not only a loyal partner of our father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, but also a fervent supporter of socialist values and a close ally of Karpoori Thakur. His extensive contributions to socialist politics are widely recognized,” he added.

Tejashwi also took the opportunity to critique the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar, referencing shortcomings highlighted in NITI Aayog reports.

“The citizens of Bihar seek transformation. Nitish Kumar’s administration has faltered across the board — from education to health, employment, and governance. We are united in our efforts to construct a new Bihar,” he asserted.

After filing his nomination, Mangani Lal Mandal expressed his appreciation for the trust bestowed upon him and committed to fulfilling the party’s expectations during this critical election year.

“It is a privilege to be nominated for such a significant responsibility. I am grateful to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav for their confidence in me. I will strive to strengthen the party at the grassroots and prepare for the forthcoming Assembly elections,” Mandal stated.

Hailing from the Dhanuk caste, a subgroup within the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Mandal's appointment is viewed as a strategic initiative by the RJD to enhance its backing among EBC communities, which constitute nearly 36 percent of Bihar’s populace.

This appointment signifies Mangani Lal Mandal as the first RJD state chief from the EBC community, emphasizing the party’s renewed emphasis on social justice and caste inclusivity ahead of the Assembly elections.

Mandal rejoined RJD in January this year, rekindling his association with Lalu Prasad Yadav. He is celebrated for his enduring socialist credentials and has previously held positions as both a state minister and a Member of Parliament.