The Rashtriya Janata Dal President Laloo Pmasad Yadav protracted stay in judicial custody has given the RLM convenor Mulayam Singh Yadav a God sent opportunity to strengthen his grip over Bihar.

In fact, securing a firm foothold in Bihar has been the cherished goal of Mulayam Singh Yadav since 1995. Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav's formidable presence in the state, however, did not allow him to achieve his goal.

Both the Yadav stalwarts thrive on the identical social base. Yadavs, Muslims and a strong, section of other backward classes constitute their political strengthen their respective states. The striking similarity in their social base caused a protracted war of supremacy between the twoleaders, in which Mr. Laloo Yadav emerged as the undisputed leader in Bihar. ... Now, the "messiah of the backwards (Laloo)" faces a serious threat to his political future. The RJD chief's custody has given the RLM supremo an opportunity to commandeer the campaign for RJD candidates in the by-elections to the four Assembly seats in Bihar. The RJD cadres are banking heavily on Mulayam Singh for the campaign in the absence of their leader. Obviously, there is a lurking fear among Laloo loyalists that, a shrewd politician as he is, Mr. Mulayam Singh may use the opportunity to carve out a niche for himself by replacing the 'Raja of Bihar' in the hearts of the Yadavs and Muslims. ... Laloo (has) failed to produce a second line of command which could hold the RJD's support base in his absence ... Mulayam Singh is no match to Laloo Prasad's earthy aphorism and demagoguery. But then (he) is as equipped in the art of political maneuvers as Laloo is. A political heavyweight, Mulayam has the potential to compensate his lack of wit.

Will Mulayam Singh use this opportunity to snatch Laloo's hold over the Muslim-Yadav combination?                                                 (Source: The Statesman, 12 November, 1998)