Today's rally could be acid test for Laloo's future

Today's rally could be acid test for Laloo's future
ARUN SRIVASTAVA

PATNA, MARCH 3: A core group of RJD dissidents finally came out with the strategic decision to keep away from Laloo Prasad Yadav's ``Desh Bachao'' rally on Sunday.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal chief is in some trouble with his former close associate and brother-in-law Sadhu Yadav -- who helped mobilise crowds for such events earlier -- keeping a distance. Sources confide that Laloo's brother-in-law Subhash Yadav has taken charge of operations.

Dissidence within the party is also getting fiercer. Around 50-odd RJD rebel legislators and ministers today held a marathon meeting at the home of former state Health minister Mahabir Prasad today. Senior minister Taslimuddin also hosted a meeting of senior RJD ministers and leaders. Highly critical of Laloo Prasad's attitude and style of functioning, the dissidents finally resolved not to participate in tomorrow's rally.

In yet another important development, two senior ministers of Laloo's government called on dissident leader Ranjan Yadav and pledged their support. Sources maintain that some more ministers are likely join the dissident camp soon.

The rebels don't seem to be planning to leave the party but create problems from within. Their prime strategy could be to embarrass the Rabri government on the floor of the House.

In today's meeting, the dissidents were critical of the way the RJD activists have reportedly been bullying the common people, particularly the transport operators. Only yesterday, a woman had to reportedly bear the wrath of RJD goons in Patna. A group of RJD workers reportedly tried to hijack a bus when it reached the Chiraiya over-bridge. They then reportedly beat up a woman who stood up against them.

Similarly, private bus driver Anil at Veer Kunwar Singh Park depot was thrashed for refusing to allow RJD activists to take a bus for transporting the audience for tomorrow's rally. Anil's fault was that he insisted that they pay hire charges for the bus.

Bus operators claim the police have always lent a helping hand to the RJD chief, and that policemen were also assisting RJD workers to forcibly take away buses. In fact, policemen themselves seized some buses yesterday, they said. All such buses are parked in the Miller School ground. The drivers have also complained, saying: ``We were plying on our route, but the RJD workers forcibly brought us here.''

Though the drivers and cleaners have been paid Rs 40 for their food, obviously, the bus-owners won't be paid at all, as has happened in the past.

But with dissidents deciding to keep away from rally, Laloo is in a do-or-die situation. The future of the Rabri government could well depend on the success of the rally. A successful rally will provide Laloo with a platform to launch his crusade against the Centre and also smash dissident activity in the party, both in one go.

Survival now revolves round the number game. While dissidents put the optimist figure of audience at one lakh, the Laloo loyalist are sure of a turn out of not less than three lakh.