Lalu only likes sycophants, furthering family's interest, says expelled RJD MP Pappu Yadav

Patna, May 7: Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav today attacked Lalu Prasad over his expulsion from RJD, alleging that the party chief only likes sycophants and his focus is on furthering his family's interests.

The controversial leader, however, did not reveal his future course of action though there has been talk of his cosying up to BJP.

"He (Prasad) cannot tolerate critics and self-respecting people like Ranjan Yadav, Ramkripal Yadav and now me. He loves only sycophants and sand mafias," Pappu Yadav told PTI over phone from Begusarai in Bihar after his expulsion.

Former Union minister Raghubansh Prasad Singh has also been making statements in favour of Jitan Ram Manjhi but "I have been singled out", he said.

"Lalu Prasad appears to have given a go-by to the ideology of social justice and is concentrating only on furthering the interests of his family," an angry Pappu Yadav said.

Asked about his future course of action and if he would join hands with Jitan Ram Manjhi who has announced that he will form a separate political party soon, Pappu Yadav said "janata mere bhagay ka faisla karegi (people will decide my fate)."

When told that Manjhi had invited him to work together, Pappu Yadav said, "I respect feelings of Manjhi but let people decide my future course of action."

In reply to a question on merger of Janata Parivar and whether it would help Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar in the upcoming Bihar poll, the Madhepura MP said, "The merger is being done to further the interests of children and family and will not find favour among people."

A five-time MP, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was expelled today from RJD for six years for anti-party activities.

He has been attacking the RJD chief over Janata Parivar merger and over his suggestion that his son will take over RJD's reins. Pappu Yadav's wife Ranjeeta Ranjan is a Congress Lok Sabha member from Supual in Bihar.

It would be interesting to see her course of action after her husband's expulsion from RJD, as Congress in all probability will be part of "secular alliance" with Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad which will take on BJP in Bihar poll later this year.

PTI