The remarks have naturally riled the state BJP, which wants to see a parity drawn with the trishul—legally, that is. Bihar unit chief Sushil Modi has asked the governor for a ban on lathis at public meetings. But Laloo is unperturbed. His take: the lathi is integral to the daily life of the rural farmer. He has another escape clause: the lathi is not to be used to attack Hindutvaites, only to defend the poor and the minorities. But the target was implied in this spot of advice he had for all who are hounded, even journalists: "A well-oiled lathi will stand by you in times of trouble...if you are targeted by anti-socials in the course of your duties."