Lalan Singh is new JD(U) president

Lalan Singh got elected as the new Janata Dal (U) president in the party’s national executive meeting in Delhi on Saturday. His name was proposed by outgoing president RCP Singh. RCP Singh had become party president seven months ago and now after becoming a Union minister, he resigned from the post.

Lalan Singh is the first upper caste president of JD(U) in 18 years of the party’s existence. He comes from Bhumihar community, who are traditional voters of the BJP. During the recent assembly elections, JD(U) candidates had faced strong opposition in Bhumihar dominated regions. It was one of the regions, the NDA didn’t do well in central Bihar. With Singh, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has tried to reach out to the miffed community.

“I will try to take everyone along and my focus would be on the expansion of the party,” Lalan Singh told media persons post his election. “We thank the Modi government for announcing reservation for OBC and EWS reservation in medical seats from All India quota, ” K C Tyagi, senior JD(U) leader told ET.