Patna, Aug. 8: In 20 days the RJD will be organising the "BJP Bhagao, Desh Bachao" rally at Gandhi Maidan, but not all seems to be in place for the party's mega event.
"I would have liked to go among the people myself. But I am tied up in legal cases in Ranchi. I want to go to the people but cannot. However, Tejashwi and RJD leaders will go to the people and ask them to come to Gandhi Maidan on August 27," said RJD chief Lalu Prasad today.
Lalu's statement indicates one of the greatest handicaps the party faces in holding mega rallies at Gandhi Maidan.
On previous occasions, Lalu used to crisscross the state addressing series of public meetings and asking his supporters to reach the venue on a fixed date. Now, that job is on Tejashwi Yadav's young shoulders.
The former deputy chief minister will hit the roads on August 9 with a public speech in West Champaran. RJD leaders are still unsure about the response. Lalu has been credited with organising some of the biggest shows at Gandhi Maidan like the Sadbhavna Rally in 1990and Gareeb Rally in 1993, which are acknowledged as some of the largest conglomeration of people at the historic ground.
Drawing crowds at Gandhi Maidan is an acknowledged show of strength for any party in Bihar. The CPI used to draw huge crowds at the ground in the 80s, however, as its political prospects dwindled in the state the size of the gatherings got smaller and smaller. The Congress, which has become a fringe player in Bihar, has not held a rally in Gandhi Maidan on its own for the past two decades.
Similarly, when Lalu's political fortunes in Bihar plunged, the size of his crowds got smaller. The August 27 rally is important for the RJD to show that it is a force to reckon with in Bihar after the Grand Alliance has broken down.
However, it is not only the absence of Lalu, which is a hurdle. On previous occasions, Patna used to be draped with posters and banners about rallies at least a month ahead.
The change in RJD's fate could be seen in Patna as posters and banners were limited this time.
It is primarily because previously RJD workers used to take over hoarding spaces without even seeking the permission of the space owners by flexing muscle. This time, however, they are fearing police action because they are no longer a part of the ruling alliance. Being in the government always works for a political party because government officials largely arrange the buses, tractors and taxis for the rally participants. They also contribute financially.
For rallies, people across party lines are hired from rural areas. Their travel, lodging and even food has to be borne by the party. The cost usually runs into crores.
Most of the mega rallies organised by the RJD has been at a time when the party was in power. Now, with the new government tightening screws on people known to be close to the RJD, funds appear to have dried up.
Most RJD workers and leaders pointed out the timing of the rally. Pre-elections are the best time to hold rallies, they believe.
"There are over dozens of ticket aspirants from each Assembly constituency. They chip in to bring people, as they feel that will help them bag poll tickets. But the next big election is in 2019 (Lok Sabha)," said a senior RJD leader.
The last time RJD ventured inside the Gandhi Maidan was before the 2015 Assembly polls. It was a huge success but it was a joint rally in which MLAs from the JDU and the Congress chipped in with dozens of ticket aspirants showing placards. Star speakers such as Sonia Gandhi were on the stage. This time, the RJD has to pull it alone.
"Lalu still has committed followers among the Yadavs and Muslims who will come despite all hurdles," said a party leader.
"It remains to be seen whether 25 lakh people come to the rally as claimed by Lalu Prasad or the size is far less. Rallies are a routine affair and have no political significance. In today's context the more the money pumped in, means bigger the size of the rally. Lalu has in the past held huge rallies because the entire backward and downtrodden class were with him. I doubt he will be able to enthuse such a large crowd because he lacks credibility," said deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi.
