RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav today declared that he would contest from the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency, where he lost to Union Minister Sharad Yadav in the last elections.Laloo had earlier said he would contest from Chapra, now represented by Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy. It is not clear if he will be fighting both constituencies. The RJD chief has won from both Madhepura and Chapra. In 1977’s Janata wave, Laloo was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Chapra. In 1998, he defeated Sharad Yadav in Madhepura by a margin of 50,000 votes and in 1999, he lost to Sharad by 35,000 votes. After the defeat, Laloo did not visit Madhepura and was cultivating Chapra. Today’s public meeting drew an impressive crowd, which demanded that Laloo contest from here. Laloo was initially non-committal, but finally declared that he will. ‘‘George Fernandes and Sharad Yadav came to Bihar in the name of Mandal then went with the kamandal. This time we will pack them off. Like Rome belongs to Pope, Madhepura belongs to Gope (cow herds or Yadavs),’’ Laloo said. Which Yadav will win, only time will tell.Meanwhile, the RJD youth wing in East Singhbhum district is organising a quiz contest just on Laloo Yadav on February 1. For each correct answer, a participant would be richer by Rs 1,000 in cash.
