Rohini Acharya Criticizes BJP Over Controversial Remarks on Artists

In recent days, Rohini Acharya, daughter of prominent Indian politician Lalu Prasad Yadav, has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following remarks made by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary. Chaudhary’s comments, which referenced the need for a “nachne wala” (dancer) to garner support for the Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, have ignited a debate regarding the treatment of artists in politics.

Acharya took to social media and the press to express her discontent, questioning the BJP’s reliance on artists, including notable figures such as Hema Malini and Kangana Ranaut, to attract crowds. “They call others dancers, but in their own party, the NDA is carrying around dancers to gather crowds,” Acharya remarked. She emphasized the contributions of artists to Indian culture and cinema, underscoring that they deserve respect rather than derogatory labels.

The controversy began with a clip allegedly featuring Chaudhary, who suggested that the Mahagathbandhan had to field Khesari Lal Yadav, a well-known singer and actor in the Bhojpuri film industry, to appeal to voters. Acharya defended Yadav, stating, “Can someone call an artist a ‘nachaniya’? This is the language they use. They are using the same ‘nachaniya’ to gather crowds because no one is coming to listen to their election speeches.”

Khesari Lal Yadav is the candidate for the Mahagathbandhan from the Chapra constituency in the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and November 11, with results to be announced on November 14. The Chapra seat has been a stronghold for the BJP since 2010, and the party has nominated Choti Kumari for this election. In addition, popular local figure Rakhi Gupta is running as a rebel candidate.

Acharya’s remarks come on the heels of comments made by Rahul Gandhi regarding Prime Minister Modi. During a rally in Darbhanga, Gandhi suggested that Modi would perform a dance if encouraged to do so by voters, further amplifying the ongoing tension between the Congress party and the BJP. Following these statements, the BJP filed a formal complaint with the Bihar Chief Election Officer, claiming that Gandhi’s remarks were “highly derogatory, indecent, and personal.”

The backdrop to this exchange is the Bihar Assembly elections, which will be conducted in two phases. The political atmosphere is charged as parties gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election, with significant implications for the state’s governance and political landscape.