Will work for strong secular formation: Lalu Prasad

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Wednesday said he would work hard for a strong secular formation to defeat communal forces in the 2014 general elections.

"Now, I am free and out of jail. I will travel across the country to convince leaders of different secular and democratic parties to join hands to take on communal and fascist forces, led by BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi," Lalu Prasad told mediapersons here after he arrived late Tuesday night.

He was released Monday (Dec 16) from the Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi after the Supreme Court Friday (Dec 13) granted him bail in a fodder scam case.

The former Bihar chief minister said he was with the Congress and will support and back the party. "RJD is always open for an alliance with the Congress to strengthen secular forces in Bihar and outside," he said.

Lalu Prasad said he would not sit silent as his responsibility has increased manifold to unite all secular forces for a viable alliance to defeat the communal forces. "There is no option, communal forces have to be kept at bay at any cost," he said.

He questioned state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's commitment to a secular polity. "A few months ago, Nitish Kumar suddenly realised the importance of secularism when divorce took place between his party Janata Dal-United and the BJP. He was with BJP for 17 long years and enjoyed fruit of communal politics," he said.

Lalu Prasad said sooner or later, he will be acquitted in the fodder scam cases. "I have full faith in the judiciary that I will get justice," he said.