Patna: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Sunday questioned the outcomes of recent assembly elections in some states and urged people to prepare for the next political battle as the party celebrated its 30th foundation day across Bihar. He also reminded workers that the RJD was not merely an “election fighting machine”.In a message posted on social media, Lalu alleged the BJP was attempting to capture constitutional institutions and undermine the Constitution. “If we examine the election results of the recent few states, it becomes clear that the BJP, by capturing constitutional institutions and bypassing the Constitution, is attempting to push the country backward again through the force of dictatorship. Our politics does not permit us to accept this situation,” he said while urging people to prepare for the next battle.Calling on party functionaries to look beyond elections, Lalu said, “Every worker and neta must understand that our party is not just a ‘machine for fighting elections’.” He added that the RJD’s commitment had always been towards the poor, the deprived, the excluded and the oppressed, and that its vision of development went beyond airports, malls and luxury hotels. “Rather, we are committed to the participation and share of the poor and the last person in society in every aspect of development. Our goal is to bring qualitative and positive change in the lives of people,” he said.While Lalu addressed supporters through social media, RJD national working president Tejashwi Prasad Yadav joined the programme online from an undisclosed location. His absence from the main function in Patna drew attention as he and Lalu had attended a party programme together on July 1, four days before the formal foundation day celebrations.Describing workers as the “soul” of the RJD, Tejashwi said the party had never compromised on its principles, policies and ideology for the sake of power. “We are committed to serving the masses. We are fully dedicated to the Constitution of our country; socialism is our guiding principle and path,” he said.Reacting to Lalu’s charges, the BJP said the RJD was no longer “acceptable” among the masses. “We want to ask Lalu ji where is his son right now? Janata ke beech nahi rahenge to aisa hi hoga,” BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said.
