After Pawar, Lalu backs Mamata as INDIA bloc chief

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday stirred up a controversy with his remarks on chief minister Nitish Kumar's proposed 'Mahila Samvad Yatra', beginning December 15. When asked about Nitish's yatra from Valmikinagar in West Champaran district, Lalu said, "Nayan Sekne Jaa Rahen Hain (they are going to ogle at women)."

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Patna

His remarks came when mediapersons reminded the RJD supremo of Nitish's claim of winning 225 seats in the Bihar assembly elections scheduled to be held in October-November next year. "Pahle unko aankh sekne do (Let him ogle at women first)," Lalu said.

Nitish's yatra is a part of the state government's effort to interact directly with women and review the progress of its '7 resolve Programme'.

Lalu's statement has created a political storm with the ruling NDA attacking him for his intemperate remark about the JD(U) national president as well as women.