Lalu tells party functionaries to brace for Delhi battle

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Friday called upon party leaders and workers to be prepared for a decisive battle for Delhi and told them to step up move to expose the anti-Bihar attitude of Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Addressing a meeting of officials and party functionaries engaged in preparation for organisational elections due next month, Prasad said people need to be sensitised about considerable slash in the central share for various schemes.

“In many schemes, the Cente has decreased its share of grant to 50%, instead of the earlier provision for increasing it up to 90%. Central schemes are now being implemented on 50-50 fund share against 90-10 in several projects,” he said.

Prasad who became an active member of the party again, also took a swipe at Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Ram Vilas Paswan for predicting mid-term elections in Bihar.

“It seems Paswan has not taken any lessons from the massive mandate for Grand Alliance (GA) in the just concluded assembly polls. He continues to mislead the people about longevity of the GA government,” he said, adding that Paswan seemed to be trying to console his brothers and relatives in the party who miserably failed in the fray.

The RJD leader also asked the officials entrusted with organisational election process to conduct the poll with utmost authenticity and in conformity with the democratic traditions.

As part of the drive, Prasad also fulfilled his party obligation by inducting 25 more leaders as fresh members. Those made members by Prasad included MLAs and senior party leaders.

Chief election officer of the party and former MP Jagadanand Singh chaired the meeting. Prominent among those present on the occasion included secretary general Mundrika Singh Yadav, Ram Chandra Purvey, MLAs Bhola Yadav, Ashok and Chitranjan Gagan.