Lalu declares Ritlal Yadav as RJD general secretary

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad has declared Ritlal Yadav, currently lodged in jail in connection with several criminal cases, as party general secretary.

Prasad, last night visited Ritlal's residence at Kothwa panchayat and met his father Ramashish Rai before announcing his decision, party spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari confirmed this to PTI.

It was learnt that Prasad has also promised a ticket to Ritlal's father for next year's Assembly elections in the state.

Ritlal, lodged in Beur Jail in connection with the murder of BJP leader SN Sinha in Danapur, had contested the Lok Sabha elections from Patliputra seat in 2009 as an independent and had secured around 45,000 votes.

He was planning to run for the polls as an independent this time too and had acquired permission from a district court.

Patliputra Lok Sabha seat holds special importance for Lalu Prasad as this along with Saran from where he has fielded his wife Rabri Devi will decide his future political survival.

Meanwhile, Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti today filed nomination from Patliputra Lok Sabha seat to take on her two "chachas" (uncles) head on in the poll.

Accompanied by father, Bharti filed her nomination at the Danapur SDO's office and exuded confidence about her maiden entry into Parliament. Election to the constituency is slated on April 17.