Criticise Lalu Prasad over Ambedkar’s portrait placed at his feet: Prashant Kishor challenges Rahul Gandhi
Patna, June 16 – In a fiery political challenge, election strategist-turned-political reformer Prashant Kishor has called out Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his silence over a controversial photograph of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, in which a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was seen placed near his feet. The image, which has gone viral on social media, has sparked outrage among Ambedkarite groups and Dalit rights advocates, questioning whether such placement was symbolic disrespect or an unintentional oversight.
Kishor, who has consistently positioned himself as a voice of accountability across party lines, didn’t mince words in his criticism. “If the same photograph had emerged from a BJP event, Rahul Gandhi and his ecosystem would’ve hit the streets in protest. But now, since it’s Lalu Prasad, their alliance partner, there’s selective silence. Is Ambedkar’s respect negotiable based on political convenience?” Kishor asked while speaking to the press in Bihar.
Ambedkar’s Symbolism and the Power of Placement
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar remains a towering figure in Indian social justice history—a chief architect of the Constitution and a fierce advocate for Dalit rights and annihilation of caste. Any imagery involving him is seen as deeply symbolic, especially in caste-sensitive states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
In the contentious photo, Lalu Prasad Yadav is seated on a platform with several portraits placed around him. While Ambedkar’s image was technically part of a group of revered icons, its positioning—visibly at Lalu’s feet—struck a raw nerve. Critics argue that such placement, even if unintentional, reflects a deep-rooted insensitivity toward Dalit sentiment.
Prashant Kishor emphasized this point, stating, “In a country where placing someone’s photograph near one’s feet is culturally interpreted as disrespect, political leaders must be doubly cautious. Especially when dealing with icons like Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose legacy is intertwined with the dignity of millions.”
Rahul Gandhi’s Silence: Strategy or Stumble?
While Prashant Kishor’s direct challenge to Rahul Gandhi might appear provocative, it raises a broader question about the Congress party’s consistent stance on social justice. Rahul Gandhi, who often positions himself as a defender of marginalized communities, has yet to comment on the incident.
This silence has led to growing criticism—not just from Kishor, but from sections of Dalit activists, who feel betrayed by what they see as “performative allyship.” Social media, too, is abuzz with hashtags like #AmbedkarInsulted and #WhereIsRahul.
“This is not about optics; it’s about values. When Rahul Gandhi marched with Ambedkarite symbols in hand during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he was applauded. But the silence now suggests that solidarity ends where political alliances begin,” a Dalit scholar from Delhi University told this writer on condition of anonymity.
Lalu Prasad’s Legacy and Irony of Representation
Lalu Prasad Yadav has long projected himself as a messiah of the backward classes, especially during his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar. His political brand hinges on social justice, empowerment of OBCs, and symbolic inclusion of Dalit concerns. However, the recent controversy pokes holes in that narrative, revealing a potential gap between symbolism and lived practice.
Adding to the irony is the fact that Lalu’s party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is allied with Congress and several other parties under the INDIA bloc umbrella, a coalition projected as the secular and inclusive alternative to the BJP.
“Such incidents damage the credibility of INDIA bloc’s social justice claims,” Kishor said. “How can you expect Dalit communities to trust your promises if you can’t even ensure dignity in your visuals?”
Political Reactions and What It Reveals
Interestingly, most parties in the INDIA bloc have refrained from commenting, possibly wary of stirring intra-alliance friction. However, BJP leaders wasted no time in latching onto the controversy. Union Minister Giriraj Singh tweeted the photo, calling it “a slap on the face of those who claim to be Ambedkar’s followers only during elections.”
This politically loaded moment may have deeper implications in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Dalit and OBC voters form a significant electoral block in the state. If this incident snowballs into a larger movement of dissatisfaction, it could hurt RJD and its allies.
Prashant Kishor’s Broader Game?
While Kishor’s critique appears focused on the Lalu-Rahul silence, many analysts see this as part of his larger strategy to carve a centrist and accountable political space for himself in Bihar and beyond. His Jan Suraaj initiative has been mobilizing youth and civil society across districts, raising issues often ignored by mainstream parties.
By invoking Ambedkar, Kishor is not just demanding moral clarity from Rahul Gandhi—he’s tapping into a deeper public sentiment that cuts across caste and class lines.
“Kishor has found an issue where symbolism and accountability intersect. In this controversy, he’s positioning himself as the custodian of Ambedkarite ethics, something none of the INDIA bloc parties seem prepared to defend right now,” said political analyst Ruchir Tiwari.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning
The Lalu Prasad Ambedkar portrait controversy isn’t merely about a photograph. It lays bare the contradictions within India’s opposition alliance, their caste politics, and their selective moral outrage. If Rahul Gandhi and his allies genuinely believe in Ambedkar’s vision, this is their moment of reckoning.
As Prashant Kishor has aptly framed it: “Respect for Babasaheb Ambedkar cannot be seasonal or selective. Either you stand with his dignity every day or stop using his name during elections.”
The ball is now in Rahul Gandhi’s court. Will he speak up—or stay silent, hoping the storm will pass?
