PATNA, June 24 -- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Monday filed his nomination for re-election as the party's national president, marking a significant step toward securing his 13th term as the party's leader. Prasad is the sole contender for the party chief's post and his re-election is all but certain. The nomination, submitted at the RJD's state headquarters to election officer Ram Chandra Purbey, was greeted with enthusiasm from party workers and leaders, who hailed Prasad as a champion of the marginalised and a unifying force in Bihar's political landscape. Leader of the opposition in the assembly and RJD senior Tejashwi Prasad Yadav described his father as the "Messiah of the poor." "Lalu ji's nomination for the national president's post has sparked immense joy. Workers, leaders and supporters are thrilled. He has led the RJD for 12 terms, and this will be his 13th. Under his leadership, we are confident of achieving great success," Tejashwi told the media persons at the party office. Prasad, who arrived at the party office amid chants of slogans from party workers, has been the RJD's cornerstone since its formation in 1997 following a split in the Janata Dal. His 28-year tenure as party chief has solidified his reputation as a formidable leader advocating for social justice and the rights of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. Rajya Sabha member and Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti said, "Lalu Prasad has filed his nomination for the party's national president post today. The further process will be overseen by the officials." The nomination filing coincides with the RJD's ongoing organisational elections for its national council and state executive, with polling scheduled for July 5. The process, adhering to the election commission's guidelines, began with the notification for the national president's election on June 15, followed by nominations until June 20, scrutiny on June 21, and a withdrawal deadline on June 23. Prasad is expected to be re-elected unopposed, as there is no contender for the post, reinforcing his unchallenged leadership within the party. The RJD's national executive meeting, held earlier on Monday, adopted a resolution authorising Prasad to oversee key organisational decisions, including candidate selections for various posts. Party sources indicate that over 1.50 crore primary members across Bihar and other states are participating in the elections....