A political controversy has erupted in Bihar after videos of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav celebrating Halloween with his grandchildren went viral on social media. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the veteran leader of hypocrisy, reminding people of his past remark dismissing the Maha Kumbh Mela as “faltu” (meaningless).

The row began after Rohini Acharya, Lalu Yadav’s daughter and an RJD leader, shared cheerful pictures and videos of their family’s Halloween celebration on October 31. “Happy Halloween to everyone,” she wrote, as the visuals showed the former Bihar Chief Minister laughing, posing for pictures, and spending playful moments with his grandchildren dressed in Halloween costumes. The home was decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and other spooky ornaments.

However, the BJP seized on the opportunity to target Yadav. The BJP Kisan Morcha, in a sharp post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:

“Do not forget, people of Bihar, this is the same Lalu Yadav who called the grand Kumbh of faith and spirituality useless, and now he is celebrating a British festival, Halloween. Those who strike at faith will not find support from the people of Bihar.”

Other BJP leaders echoed similar criticism, accusing Yadav of disrespecting Indian culture while embracing Western traditions. “His words show his true mindset towards Hinduism. He should apologise for insulting the sentiments of crores of believers,” said Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.

BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma also weighed in, calling Lalu Yadav’s earlier remark on the Maha Kumbh Mela “a reflection of the RJD’s disregard for India’s spiritual heritage.”

Yadav’s February comments had already stirred controversy when he said, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh,” while reacting to a tragic stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station. The BJP and several Hindu organisations condemned his statement as offensive to the faith of millions of devotees.