The much-talked about, even feared Lathi Rally of the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Patna ended on Wednesday evening with a call from RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav to dislodge the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre.
The rally, held at the historic Gandhi Maidan, was one the biggest seen in Bihar in recent times, and was not without its share of hiccups -- two murders, buses off the roads and an unofficial holiday for residents of Patna.
Addressing the gathering with a lathi in his hand, Laloo identified communalism as the single, most dangerous problem facing the nation today. "BJP is not a party but a mask for RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal and communalism is in its blood," he said.
Referring to distribution of trishuls by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to its followers, Laloo said RJD's lathis would destroy the 'trishuls of hatred.'
Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for capitulating to communal elements in his government, Laloo said his government will have to dislodged from the seat of power in Delhi to save the country.
He said the RJD will join hands with like-minded parties to counter BJP at the national level.
Criticising the government for installing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Veer Savarkar's photograph in the Central Hall of Parliament, Laloo said: "Savarkar was responsible for sowing the seed of communalism in India. He killed Mahatma Gandhi."
Speaking ahead of Laloo, his wife and Chief Minister Rabri Devi blamed the Centre for Bihar's backwardness.
About a dozen ministers and senior leaders of RJD spoke on the occasion.
Dismissing opposition propaganda against the rally at jealousy, Laloo said RJD rallies have always been peaceful. "They [the opposition] can't match my rallies and that is why they are spreading these canards [about RJD workers threatening and beating up common people]."
Schools, colleges and commercial establishments in Patna remained closed on Wednesday fearing trouble from an estimated 20 lakh RJD workers gathered in the capital for the rally.
