Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav faced strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after videos of him celebrating Halloween with his grandchildren went viral on social media on Saturday. The BJP accused him of hypocrisy, pointing to his earlier comment describing the Maha Kumbh festival as “meaningless.”

The controversy began when Yadav’s daughter and RJD leader Rohini Acharya posted visuals of the family’s Halloween celebration on X (formerly Twitter). She captioned the post, “Happy Halloween to everyone.” The video showed Lalu Yadav smiling and taking pictures with his grandchildren, who were dressed up in Halloween costumes.

BJP Questions Lalu’s Stand on Indian Traditions

Soon after the video surfaced, the BJP launched a sharp attack. The party questioned how Yadav could dismiss an Indian religious festival as “useless” while celebrating what they called a “foreign” one.

The BJP Kisan Morcha (BJPKM), in a post targeting the RJD leader, wrote, “Don't forget, people of Bihar, this is the same Lalu Yadav who had called the grand festival of faith and spirituality Maha Kumbh useless and is now celebrating the festival of Halloween. Those who attack faith will not get votes from the people of Bihar.”

Lalu Yadav’s Remarks on Maha Kumbh Resurface

The criticism traces back to Yadav’s controversial statement in February, when he called the Maha Kumbh festival “meaningless.” At the time, reporters had asked him about the huge number of devotees traveling to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh for the religious event. Yadav replied, “The Kumbh has no meaning… It is just meaningless.”

His remarks drew widespread backlash from the BJP, which accused him of disrespecting Hindu beliefs.

BJP Accuses RJD of Insulting Hindu Sentiments

Following the remarks, Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said Yadav’s statement reflected the RJD’s mindset toward Hinduism. “He is making such comments due to his politics of appeasement. The RJD leaders have always insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus. The latest statement of Lalu Prasad calling the Maha Kumbh meaningless exposes the party’s mindset towards the Hindu religion,” Sharma said.

Political Clash Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections

The renewed clash between the BJP and Lalu Prasad Yadav comes just days before the Bihar assembly elections. The first phase of voting for the 243-member assembly will take place on November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.

With the elections nearing, the controversy over Yadav’s comments and his Halloween celebration has added another political flashpoint in the state’s heated campaign.