Lalu Prasad Yadav to lead RJD from behind the bars

The Rashtriya Janata Dal on Sunday has expressed its full faith and confidence in its jailed leader Lalu Prasad and his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi to lead the party.

RJD senior leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui said it was unanimously decided by RJD leaders and workers that Lalu Prasad would continue to lead the RJD from prison and Rabri Devi from outside.

RJD announced that Lalu Prasad would continue to be national president of the party.

The RJD meeting was attended by senior party leaders including legislators and MPs. It discussed the strategy to run the party with its top leader behind bars. It was the first meeting of the RJD in the absence of Lalu.

“Lalu’s message from jail was read out before party leaders and workers. Lalu urged the party to fight against communal forces and communalism,” state RJD president Ramchandra Purve said.

Lalu Prasad, former chief minister Jagannath Mishra and 43 others have been convicted on charges of fraudulently withdrawing Rs 37.70 crore from the Chaibasa district treasury.

On Oct 3 Lalu was jailed for five years in the case.