Rohini Acharya Launches Electoral Bid in Saran Amidst BJP Criticism

In Short

• Rohini Acharya begins election campaign from Saran
• To compete against sitting MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy
• BJP slams Rohini’s campaign, calls her ‘daughter-in-law’ of Singapore

Rohini Acharya, daughter of Bihar’s former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, commenced her political campaign in Saran on Tuesday, signaling her intent to challenge incumbent MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

Despite being relatively new to formal politics, Acharya, who has maintained an active presence on social media, is prepared to contest against Rudy, a seasoned politician who has held various positions in both state and central governments.

Arriving at Pahleza Ghat in Sonepur, Acharya was greeted warmly by a large contingent of party supporters as she embarked on her journey through Saran, making her way to the village of Dumri Bujurg.

Expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming reception, Acharya remarked on the familial connection she feels towards Saran, a place that holds significant historical significance for her father’s political career and now, potentially, for her own.

However, amidst her campaign launch, the BJP wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on Acharya, labeling her as the ‘Singaporean daughter-in-law’ and insinuating that she is no longer a true representative of Bihar.

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned Acharya’s credentials, citing her residence in Singapore following her marriage to engineer Rao Samresh Singh.

He suggested that Acharya should seek votes in Singapore instead, implying that her allegiance lies elsewhere.

In response, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari accused the BJP of resorting to slander tactics due to their apprehension over Acharya’s growing popularity in Saran.

Tiwari dismissed BJP’s accusations as baseless attempts to undermine Acharya’s campaign momentum.

During an interview with Aaj Tak, Acharya exuded confidence in the overwhelming support she has received from the local populace in Saran.

She refuted Sinha’s allegations, asserting her commitment to representing the interests of both the ‘bahus’ (daughter-in-laws) and ‘betis’ (daughters) of Saran.

Acharya’s decision to make her electoral debut in Saran holds significant political significance, considering the region’s historical ties to her family.

Saran, once represented by Lalu Prasad Yadav in the Lok Sabha, has witnessed fluctuating electoral fortunes over the years. While Lalu secured victory in 2009, Rajiv Rudy emerged triumphant in 2014, defeating Lalu’s wife, Rabri Devi. Currently, Rudy holds the seat, having triumphed over Chandrika Rai, the father-in-law of Tej Pratap Yadav, by a substantial margin.

Saran’s electoral landscape is characterized by its substantial Yadav population, making it a traditional bastion for the community. With seven out of ten assembly constituencies secured by the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in the last polls, Saran remains a crucial battleground in Bihar’s electoral dynamics.

As Bihar gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, Saran will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 20. Acharya’s entry into the fray promises to intensify the electoral contest in the region, adding a new dimension to Bihar’s political landscape.