Patna: As Bihar gears up for its Assembly elections, the political rivalry has intensified, leading to a fierce poster campaign across the state.

A controversial poster surfaced near the bustling Income Tax intersection in Patna on Saturday, igniting a new round of verbal clashes between the ruling party and the opposition.

The poster features Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad and his son, Tejashwi Yadav, depicted humorously on a buffalo, with Tejashwi in front and Lalu behind, both seemingly munching on grass.

The caption provocatively states: “Mera Baap Chara Chor, Mujhe Vote Do” (My father is a fodder thief, vote for me), directly referencing Lalu Yadav’s past conviction in the fodder scam.

Although no group has taken responsibility for the poster, it has elicited strong reactions. Supporters of the RJD have voiced their outrage, perceiving it as a personal and inappropriate political attack. The party has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.

In response to the uproar, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary addressed the issue during an International Yoga Day event, reiterating his criticism. He stated, “Lalu Yadav has been labeled a banned criminal by the Supreme Court. The fodder scam was his doing. Where is the second opinion on this? All courts have confirmed he is a fodder thief.”

In retaliation, the RJD has initiated its own poster campaign, accusing the ruling NDA of nepotism.

New posters have emerged in various locations, showcasing NDA leaders like Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, State Minister Ashok Choudhary, and the late Ram Vilas Paswan alongside their sons-in-law.

These posters mockingly refer to the alliance as the “National Damaad Commission” (National Sons-in-Law Commission), alleging favoritism.

This escalating poster conflict, filled with sarcasm, personal attacks, and catchy slogans, underscores the high-stakes environment as the elections approach.