Did Lalu try to inflate rally turnout with doctored image?

Patna: Numbers are not just crucial during elections, political parties also rely on turnouts in rallies to make an impression and some can go to any length even if it is not on their side, or so it seems.

Images released by the RJD and the ANI news agency of a Lalu Prasad Yadav's rally in Patna on Sunday may have narrated the 'real' story.

The image posted on Lalu's Twitter handle shows the sprawling Gandhi Maidan is packed with people, while the ANI photo shows the ground with fewer people.

No "Face" will stand in front of Lalu's "Base". Come & Count as much as u can in Gandhi Maidan, Patna #DeshBachao pic.twitter.com/sXoAcpwNKw — Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) August 27, 2017

The Lalu's photo, apparently damp and grainy and resembled an oil painting, was accompanied by the title 'No Face will stand in front of Lalu's Base'.

Did Lalu 'photoshopped' the image to hide a 'disappointingly low' turnout.

Former Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also boasted on Twitter that some 30 lakh people participated in the anti-BJP rally.

पटना में 30 लाख लोगों की बाढ़ है। नीतीश जी और उनके नए partner इसमें बह गए। नीतीश जी जनता जनादेश का जवाब माँग रही है।देंगे.. #DeshBachao pic.twitter.com/HTWOyXHpOP — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 27, 2017

However, the ANI photo narrated a different story. The starkly different images of the same event have prompted the social media users to react.

RJD's Patna rally: Picture taken from same point where Lalu Prasad Yadav's purported picture was taken; crowd sizes are different. pic.twitter.com/3QuEsBlQua — ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2017

AAP leader Kapil Mishra twitted "Who is handling social media for Lalu Yadav Ji?"

Who is handling social media for Lalu Yadav Ji??? pic.twitter.com/ORr66Hygtf — Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) August 27, 2017

Other Twitteratis have also reacted to the photo.

However, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has some kind words. The National Conference leader said it was "a damn decent crowd."

The 'BJP Bhagao, Desh Bachao' rally organised by Lalu Yadav was attended by several top opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav.