——S. A. Hemanth——-
New Delhi, January 14: Former JDU President Sharad Yadav was the leader coined the phrase “Mandal V/S Kamandal” to describe L.K. Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra to counter Mandal Commission struggle.
“This Rath Yatra is an attempt to scuttle and nullify the Backward Class movement in politics,” Sharad Yadav used to say way back in 90s.
The then Prime Minister Vishwanath Prathap Singh had decided to implement the recommendations of Mandal Commission. He hasld decided the date to make the announcement – October 2.
But the BJP Predident L.K. Advani suddenly announced taking out 10,000 Kms Ram Rath Yatra starting September 25 from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya ending October 30.
This dramatic announcement led to political turmoil in the country. It was at this time Sharad Yadav described the fight between BJP and Janata Dal as “Mandal V/S Kamandal” that was welcomed and appreciated by all non-BJP and anti-BJP parties.
Sharad Yadav was made to contest in the bye-elections from Madhepur seat in Bihar and he won the seat. That marked the beginning of his parliamentary career for next three decades.
Sharad Yadav and CPM leader Sitaram Yechury shared a very cordial relationship for more than five decades starting as student leaders.
While Sharad Yadav was President of the Yuva Janata Dal, Sitaram Yechury was the President of the JNU students union.
#Former JDU President #Sharad Yadav #Mandal V/S Kamandal #L.K. Advani #Ram Rath Yatra #Mandal Commission #Backward Class movement #Former Prime Minister #Vishwanath Prathap Singh #Mandal Commission
