NEW DELHI: Union minister Lalan Singh on Tuesday erupted a controversy by asking Janata Dal (United) party workers to lock up opposition leaders ahead of the first phase of the upcoming assembly elections.Rashtriya Janata Dal on Tuesday shared a video of Singh and accused him of “running a bulldozer over Election Commission’s chest.””There are a few leaders. Don’t let them step out of their homes on polling day. Keep them packed inside,” Lalan was heard saying in the video. “If they make too much fuss, take them along with you and let them cast their vote. Tell them, “Come with us, cast your vote, and then go home and rest.” So, from today, everyone take charge,” he added.In a social media post, RJD spokesperson Priyanka Bharti slammed Election Commission and asked the poll body to take appropriate action.”Will you wake up from your slumber and verify the authenticity of this gentleman’s video spouting strongman rhetoric, and take appropriate action?” Bharti asked.This comes after Lalan Singh has started campaigning for JD(U) candidate Anant Singh from Mokama, who is currently lodged in Beur Jail. He was arrested in connection with the murder case of Jan Suraaj supporter Dular Chand Yadav.Addressing a gathering in Mokama, Lalan Singh said, “We will not let the people of Mokama feel the absence of Anant Singh.””The kind of language used, does it belong in society? Such words are spoken only by those who wish to spread unrest,” Singh said.Anant Singh was apprehended on Saturday after a targeted operation in Barh and Mokama areas of rural Patna, which involved around 150 Central Armed Police Force personnel. Following the arrests, all three accused were brought to Patna for questioning. He was arrested sent to 14 days’ judicial custody.Dular Chand Yadav, a campaigner for Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi, was shot during clashes between rival political groups. The Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases, with polling on November 6 and 11 and the results to be declared on November 14.In the 2020 assembly election, the BJP contested 110 seats and won 74, securing 19.8% of the vote share. The Janata Dal (United) contested 115 seats and won 43, with a 15.7% vote share. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) contested seven seats, winning four, and achieved 0.9% of the vote share.
