Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo Prasad Yadav led a massive rally in Patna on Thursday to protest against America's plans to invade Iraq.

The RJD chief walked from Kargil Chowk near the historical Gandhi Maidan to Hartali Chauraha.

People were very surprised because it was after a long time that the RJD leader had led a rally. Thousands of RJD supporters, ministers, legislators and members of parliament, carrying placards, followed Laloo.

People from all walks of life -- including schoolchildren, college students and women -- joined the rally.

Subhas Yadav, the RJD chief's brother-in-law, had organised the protest.

Laloo, a Rajya Sabha member and former chief minister, criticised the Centre for taking a soft line and pledged to expose the National Democratic Alliance's double standards on the issue.

"It is a big rally not only in Bihar, but in India," said Subhas.

Earlier, Bihar had witnessed a few demonstrations, one convention and one meeting against America's threats to attack Iraq.