RJD appoints Mandal as state president to bolster EBC reach
(RJD) in Bihar. He succeeds Jagadanand Singh, a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who served two consecutive terms.
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Mandal's election became a formality after he was the sole nominee to file papers for the post on Saturday. RJD's state election officer, Tanveer Hasan, declared his election in the presence of assistant election officers Ashok Yadav, Dev Kishun Thakur and Sarika Paswan.
"Mandal submitted four sets of nomination papers as the only candidate for the state president's post. His nomination was found valid during verification," said Hasan.
A formal announcement will be made on June 19 at Gyan Bhawan after the state council ratifies the decision.
Speaking to the reporters, Mandal pledged to unite all sections of society, especially the oppressed, marginalised, Dalits, tribals and minorities, through the RJD's platform. He called on party leaders to take the message of
to the masses and ensure effective outreach at every level.
"I will work to ensure everyone gets their due rights and respect.
It's important to reach every household," Mandal said.
His appointment is viewed as a strategic move by the RJD to strengthen its outreach to the extremely backward classes (EBCs), who make up 36% of Bihar's population. Party leaders noted that Mandal brings extensive organisational experience and has worked alongside socialist stalwart Karpoori Thakur.
A former MP from Jhanjharpur, Mandal was until recently the national vice-president of JD(U) and holds major influence in the Mithila-Kosi region.
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