CELEBRATING THE VICTORY WITH JALEBI

CELEBRATING THE VICTORY WITH JALEBI

18-MAY-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------In the realm of politics—both local and global—verbal barbs are often exchanged; however, the MLC election in Bhojpur-Buxar has demonstrated that the verdict of the people reigns supreme. The images of celebration that emerged on Sunday from Agiaon in Bhojpur district not only signify a political triumph but also suggest that the "sweetness of these jalebis" marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar's politics.

The victory of *Mahagathbandhan* (Grand Alliance) candidate Sonu Kumar Rai in the Bhojpur-Buxar Legislative Council by-election has infused a wave of enthusiasm within the RJD camp. Today, the epicenter of these celebrations was the Agiaon residence of former MLA Arun Yadav and his wife, current MLA Kiran Devi, where the jubilant crowds of party workers and the sheer elation of victory were a sight to behold.

Amidst this historic victory, the scene that became the most talked-about topic was the distinctive style of young RJD leader Dipu Ranawat Yadav, who injected a unique sweetness into the otherwise serious political atmosphere. Dipu Ranawat personally prepared fresh jalebis in a hot *kadai* (wok) and then distributed them among the party workers. This was no mere ordinary celebration; rather, it was the fulfillment of a pledge Dipu Ranawat had publicly made during the election campaign itself.

He had vowed that, upon victory, he would personally prepare jalebis to share in the joy; true to his word, as soon as the results were declared, he stood firm on his promise and fulfilled it. Currently, the video capturing this moment is going viral rapidly across social media platforms.

However, one might ask: why *jalebis* specifically for this victory celebration? This is no mere coincidence; it is rooted in a backdrop of controversy. During the MLC election process, a statement made by former MLA Bijendra Yadav had sparked significant controversy. In a sarcastic jibe, he had remarked that back when he was studying in Intermediate (*12th grade*), MLA Radhacharan Sah used to sell jalebis. Radhacharan Seth, the MLA from Sandesh, had taken strong exception to this remark, registering a vehement objection and viewing it as a direct affront to his personal dignity. Amidst the clamor of the election campaign, the rhetoric surrounding *jalebis* had sparked a major controversy. However, on May 14—when the results of the by-election were declared and victory fell into the lap of the *Mahagathbandhan* (Grand Alliance)—RJD workers transformed these very *jalebis* into a symbol of the sweetness of victory, thereby conveying a powerful symbolic message. This victory is being viewed not merely as the winning of a seat, but also as the public's definitive seal of approval regarding the statements made during the campaign.