Ram Nath Kovind not Dalit but OBC, claims Lalu Prasad Yadav

Patna, Jul 5: With less than a fortnight left for the Presidential poll, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday claimed that the NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind was actually not a Dalit.

Addressing his partymen at the 21th foundation day of the RJD here in the State Capital, Lalu said Kovind belonged to the Koli community, which had a minuscule presence in Uttar Pradesh. “However, Kolis are OBCs (other backward castes) in Gujarat and comprise around five to six per cent of the population,” argued Lalu.

Lalu, who has stood by the Congress-led Opposition candidate for Presidential election Meira Kumar said, “All efforts should be made to ensure victory of Bihar ki Beti in the ensuing presidential polls.”

In the meantime, while Lalu was addressing his partymen, a large number of NSUI (National Students’ Union of India) activists were arrested near JP roundabout. These leaders, from the student wing of the Congress party, under an agitation programme named ‘Beti jitao’ (ensure victory of daughter, in reference to Meira) were on way to gherao CM Nitish Kumar’s residence and lodge a protest against JD (U)’s support to NDA candidate Ramnath Kovind instead of Opposition nominee Meira Kumar.

Meanwhile, Lalu called upon all non-BJP parties to join hands so that a united Opposition could fight Narendra Modi Government tooth and nail. “Today, there is an undeclared Emergency in the country where the Opposition leaders and media are threatened every now and then. I have convened a rally on August 27 here in Patna where the Congress, NCP, DMK, TMC, Left, BJD, SP and BSP leaders will be present.

I am trying to forge a unity between Akhilesh and Mayawati too. The day SP and BSP come under one roof, the match for 2019 (Lok Sabha polls) will be over,” said Lalu, amid applause and cheers.