KKN Gurugram Desk | A fresh political storm is brewing in Bihar as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav finds himself at the center of a controversy involving alleged disrespect toward the Constitution’s architect, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The issue has sparked intense reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a scathing attack and demanding a public apology.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary has taken the lead in this political offensive, claiming that even Dalit workers within RJD and the Congress are disturbed by the incident and are demanding accountability. However, he asserts that the Lalu family has refused to apologize, further escalating the matter.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy stems from an event held on June 11, 2025, to celebrate Lalu Prasad Yadav’s birthday. During the program, which reportedly featured prominent RJD leaders and supporters, allegations surfaced that the portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was disrespected or improperly displayed, triggering outrage among various Dalit and backward-class communities in Bihar.
The BJP claims this act represents a grave insult to the Constitution and democratic values, especially considering Dr. Ambedkar’s status as a national icon for social justice and equality.
Samrat Choudhary’s Accusations
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary made a strong statement, suggesting that the discontent within RJD and Congress is not just external but internal as well.
“There is unrest within RJD and Bihar Congress over the disrespect shown to Babasaheb Ambedkar. Dalit workers are demanding an apology, but the Lalu family remains unmoved. Their stance is clear—‘No apology, come what may.’”
In a sarcastic dig, he added:
“When a party is run like a family, decisions are made by the family, not the organization.”
Choudhary further accused the Lalu family of consistently ignoring the sentiments of Dalits, OBCs, and marginalized groups, despite relying on their support base for electoral victories.
Formal Complaint Submitted to Governor
On Tuesday night, a group of senior BJP leaders submitted a formal memorandum to the Bihar Governor, requesting a detailed inquiry and action against Lalu Yadav. The letter mentions the alleged incident on June 11 and states:
“During the birthday celebration of Lalu Yadav, an act of disrespect was committed against the portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Such conduct is an affront to constitutional values and deeply wounds the emotions of Dalit, backward, and extremely backward communities.”
The BJP has demanded a public apology from the RJD leadership and urged the Governor to consider whether the incident violated any legal or ethical standards of public conduct.
RJD’s Silence Raises Eyebrows
Despite growing political pressure, the Lalu family and RJD leadership have remained silent on the controversy. Neither Lalu Yadav nor his son, Tejashwi Yadav, who serves as a prominent leader of the party, has issued any public clarification or apology.
Political analysts believe that this silence may backfire, especially if the controversy gains traction among the voter base that includes a large section of Dalits and backward-class communities.
The Larger Political Implications
This episode comes at a time when Bihar is witnessing early political maneuvering ahead of the 2025 state assembly elections. The BJP is expected to use the incident to corner the RJD on issues of social justice, a domain the latter has traditionally dominated.
The Dalit vote bank, once strongly aligned with parties like RJD and Congress, has seen gradual shifts in recent years, especially after the emergence of leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan, and now, Samrat Choudhary, who belongs to an OBC background and has been projecting himself as a voice for marginalized communities within the BJP.
How Will This Impact Bihar’s Political Landscape?
Experts suggest the controversy could influence local narratives around:
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Dalit political identity and respect
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Leadership accountability
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Caste-based representation and symbolism in politics
A Patna-based political analyst told dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com:
“While Lalu Yadav remains an icon for backward communities, incidents like these hurt emotional sentiments. In a state like Bihar, where symbolic politics matters deeply, staying silent may be a strategic mistake.”
What Does the Law Say About Insulting National Icons?
India does not have a specific law for “disrespecting Ambedkar”, but such acts can be tried under:
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Section 153A IPC – Promoting enmity between different groups
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Section 295A IPC – Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious or community feelings
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SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act – If the act is found to be derogatory toward Dalits
The BJP’s memorandum may pave the way for a detailed legal examination of whether any of these provisions apply.
The alleged disrespect to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has stirred a storm in Bihar’s political landscape. With the BJP sharpening its attack and RJD opting for silence, the controversy is poised to grow—especially if Dalit organizations and civil society groups begin to voice their concerns.
As Bihar inches closer to elections, such episodes could reshape caste equations, voter sentiments, and public discourse, especially on the sensitive issue of social justice and representation. The coming days will reveal whether the Lalu family chooses damage control or continues with its current stance.
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