KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar politics took a sharp turn this week after a viral video from Lalu Prasad Yadav’s birthday celebration stirred controversy over the alleged disrespect of a framed photo of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The incident, which quickly gained traction on social media and political platforms, drew a fierce response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who used his rally in Siwan to criticize Lalu and the RJD.

Referring to the visuals, PM Modi accused Lalu Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of consistently insulting Dr. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and an icon for Dalits, OBCs, and marginalized communities. The Prime Minister’s fiery remarks have intensified the political battle in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.

Modi Attacks RJD: “They Want to Show They’re Bigger Than Babasaheb”

Speaking at a large public gathering in Siwan, PM Modi — donning a blue scarf symbolic of Ambedkarite ideology — launched a scathing critique of the RJD, accusing them of undermining Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy.

“These people insult Babasaheb at every step. Their actions show they want to project themselves as greater than Ambedkar himself,” Modi declared, referring to the video clip that sparked the outrage.

The Prime Minister emphasized that while the BJP promotes “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, parties like RJD and Congress only believe in “family-first development” — a direct jab at dynastic politics.

“Where we speak of inclusive progress, the lantern (RJD) and the hand (Congress) focus on family prosperity alone. Babasaheb stood against this brand of politics,” Modi said, drawing a loud response from the audience.

The Viral Video: What Happened During Lalu Yadav’s Birthday?

The controversy began on June 11, 2025, during Lalu Yadav’s birthday celebrations at his residence, where he met a small group of workers and party members due to his ongoing post-kidney transplant recovery.

Lalu, seated on a chair with his legs resting on another for medical reasons, was seen receiving guests at a distance to minimize infection risk. A party worker approached with a framed photograph of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, bowed to touch Lalu’s feet, and left the photo with the staff — all while the camera was rolling.

In the video, Ambedkar’s photo is facing the camera while Lalu’s legs are elevated on the opposite chair, making it appear as though the image was being placed or handed near Lalu’s feet. BJP leaders and social media supporters quickly picked up on this, accusing Lalu of insulting Ambedkar by allowing the image to be treated disrespectfully.

Though RJD insiders argue Lalu may not have realized whose photo was being presented, the damage was already done — BJP began demanding an apology, launching posters across Bihar with slogans like “When will Lalu apologize for insulting Babasaheb?”

Modi: “They’ll Never Apologize, Because They Lack Respect for Dalits”

PM Modi did not mince words as he escalated the matter in his speech:

“RJD and Congress have never respected Dalits, Mahadalits, backward or extremely backward communities. Today, people are putting up posters across Bihar demanding an apology for insulting Babasaheb. But these people will never apologize.”

Modi accused the RJD of deliberately ignoring the sentiments of marginalized communities, and contrasted that with his government’s commitment to social justice. “RJD puts Ambedkar’s portrait at their feet; we carry him in our hearts,” he added.

BJP Pushes for Apology; SC Commission Issues Notice

Following the public outcry, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is reported to have taken suo motu cognizance of the viral footage and may issue notices seeking clarification from RJD leaders.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders across Bihar, including Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, have held press briefings calling the incident “a deliberate affront to Dalit pride.” Posters and billboards have emerged across Patna, Siwan, and Gaya — demanding that Lalu Yadav issue a public apology for the alleged insult.

JDU Defends Lalu: “He Can’t Disrespect Ambedkar”

Interestingly, in a rare political twist, JDU MLA Gopal Mandal, known for his unpredictable remarks, came out in defense of Lalu Yadav, stating:

“Laluji is a man who has always stood for the rights of backward and Dalit communities. It is unimaginable that he would disrespect Babasaheb.”

This defense comes amid ongoing fragile political alliances in Bihar, where the JDU has oscillated between BJP and RJD-led coalitions in recent years.

Context: Why Ambedkar’s Image Holds Political Power in Bihar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy carries immense political weight in Bihar, where Dalit and OBC voters account for a large electoral base. Insulting or appearing to undermine his memory can severely damage a party’s public image.

Political observers suggest that the BJP has seized this opportunity to:

• Reassert its influence among Dalit voters

• Frame RJD as anti-social justice

• Shift focus from economic or local issues to moral and identity politics

Looking Ahead: Strategic Blunder or Manufactured Outrage?

While the RJD has not officially responded with an apology, party insiders argue that the incident is being taken out of context. They claim that Lalu Yadav was unaware of what photo was being handed over and that the action was not intentional.

However, in politics, optics matter as much as intent. The BJP appears determined to keep the issue alive, framing it as a moral and emotional betrayal, especially in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.

The Ambedkar photo frame controversy is no longer just a video clip — it has become a symbolic battlefield in Bihar’s electoral narrative. By invoking Babasaheb’s legacy, both BJP and RJD are appealing to deeply rooted identity and justice sentiments among voters.

Whether this incident fades with the news cycle or becomes a defining flashpoint in the months ahead will depend on how both parties manage the public perception war.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for accurate updates, video analysis, and ground reports on the evolving Ambedkar-Lalu Yadav controversy and the political dynamics shaping Bihar’s 2025 election roadmap.