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Fodder Scam

2022-02-23T12:10:28Z

2405:201:400A:880E:AC52:DCD5:FFF8:31F8: /* Sentence */ Update citation

{{Short description|Embezzlement scandal in Bihar state, India}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
[[Image:GrassHay1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Fodder Scam involved hundreds of millions of dollars in alleged fraudulent reimbursements from the treasury of [[Bihar]] state for fodder, medicines and husbandry supplies for non-existent livestock.]]
[[File:LalmuniChaubey.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Lalu Prasad Yadav]], on the left, is the highest-profile person convicted in the fodder scam.]]
The '''Fodder Scam''' was a corruption scandal that involved the [[embezzlement]] of about {{INRConvert|9.4|b|year=1997}} from the government [[treasury]] of the eastern Indian state of [[Bihar]].<ref name="nytimes1997">[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E07E6DE1430F931A35754C0A961958260 'Fodder Scam' Could Bring Down a Shaky Indian Government], ''The New York Times'', 1997-07-02. Accessed 2008-10-29. ''"... the scandal, said to involve $285 million, occurred in one of the country's poorest regions, the eastern state of Bihar. The money, which is reported to have been stolen over nearly 20 years, came from agricultural support programs aimed mainly at helping the 350 million Indians who live in extreme poverty ..."''</ref> Among those implicated in the theft and arrested were then [[List of Chief Ministers of Bihar|Chief Minister of Bihar]], [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]], as well as former Chief Minister, [[Jagannath Mishra]].<ref name="outlookindia2007shq">{{Citation | title=Fodder scam: Charges framed against Lalu | newspaper=Outlook India | date=17 May 2005 | access-date=4 November 2008 | url=http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=298550 | quote=Snippet: ''... The CBI has filed chargesheets in sixty cases, of which 53 are being tried in the courts at Ranchi and seven in Patna ...'' | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418150335/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=298550 | archive-date=18 April 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="bbc2000hsj">{{Citation | title=Jail for Bihar politician | newspaper=BBC | date=7 June 2000 | access-date = 5 November 2008 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/781453.stm | quote=Snippet: ''... Former chief minister of the northern state of Bihar, Jagannath Mishra, has been remanded in judicial custody in a multi-million dollar fodder scam ...''}}</ref> The scandal led to the end of Lalu's reign as Chief Minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-fodder-scam-a-look-at-what-all-has-happened-since-1996-4645719/?abcde|title=What is the fodder scam: A look at what all has happened since 1996|date=2017-05-08}}</ref> Dr. Dineshwar Prasad Sharma is also alleged to have received ₹300.60 crores from S. N. Sinha. On 23 December 2017, Lalu Prasad Yadav was convicted by a special [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] court while Jagannath Misra was acquitted.<ref>https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lalu-prasad-yadav-convicted-in-second-fodder-scam-case/articleshow/62220882.cms</ref>

The theft spanned for many years, and allegedly involved numerous Bihar state's administrative and elected officials across multiple administrations of the [[Indian National Congress]] and the [[Janata Dal]] parties. The corruption scheme involved the fabrication of "vast herds of fictitious livestock" for which fodder, medicines and [[animal husbandry]] equipment was supposedly procured.<ref name="nytimes1997"/><ref name="loksabha1999">Lok Sabha, "Lok Sabha Debates, ser.11 Aug 26–30 1997 v.17 no.18-23", Lok Sabha Secretariat, Lok Sabha (House of the People), Parliament of India, 1999. Snippet: ''... The leakages are such that no benefit is accruing to the intended beneficiaries. There is a lot of corruption, not only under this Government's rule, but it has been there for quite a long time. But of late, because of the financial problem, corruption has increased appallingly. There is also the Letter of Credit scandal which is a kind of a younger sister of the chara-ghotala of Bihar. This scandal also relates to the Animal Husbandry Department, but the CBI is dragging its feet ...''</ref> Although the scandal broke in 1996, the theft had been in progress, and increased in size, for over two decades.<ref name="tribune2002k">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020122/edit.htm#6 Stifling dissent: PM’s lost ''kavach''], ''The Tribune'', 2002-01-22. Accessed 2008-10-31. ''"... Laloo has never been the kingpin but was one of the main beneficiaries of the fake purchase and distribution of the non-existent fodder for about two decades ..."''</ref> Besides the magnitude and duration of the theft, the scam was and continues to be covered in Indian media due to the extensive nexus between tenured [[bureaucrat]]s, elected politicians and businesspeople that it revealed,<ref name="bbc2001">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/hindi/news/010909_background_fodderscam.shtml क्या है चारा घोटाला? ''What is the fodder scam?''], ''BBC'', 2001-12-14. Accessed 2008-10-29. ''"... सीबीआई के अनुसार, राज्य के ख़ज़ाने से पैसा कुछ इस तरह निकाला गया- पशुपालन विभाग के अधिकारियों ने चारे, पशुओं की दवा आदि की सप्लाई के मद में करोड़ों रूपए के फ़र्जी बिल कोषागारों से वर्षों तक नियमित रूप से भुनाए. (According to the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]], animal husbandry officials pilfered crores of rupees from the state treasury by filing bogus expense reports for fodder, medicines and other animal supplies) ... सीबीआई का कहना रहा है कि ये सामान्य आर्थिक भ्रष्टाचार का नहीं बल्कि व्यापक षड्यंत्र का मामला है जिसमें राज्य के कर्मचारी, नेता और व्यापारी वर्ग समान रूप से भागीदार है. मामला सिर्फ़ राष्ट्रीय जनता दल तक सीमित नहीं रहा. इस सिलसिले में बिहार के एक और पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री डॉक्टर जगन्नाथ मिश्र को गिरफ़्तार किया गया. राज्य के कई और मंत्री भी गिरफ़्तार किए गए. ... (This is not a normal case of economic corruption, says the CBI, but rather a pervasive conspiracy to steal in which state bureaucrats, elected leaders, and businesspeople were equal accomplices. Culpability is not limited to the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] party. A prior chief minister of Bihar, Dr. [[Jagannath Mishra]], has also been arrested as have other state ministers.) ..."''</ref> and as an example of the [[Mafia Raj]] that has penetrated several state-run economic sectors in the country.

As of May 2013, the trial was completed in 44 cases out of a total of 53 cases.<ref name="Ex-MP, former Bihar MLA among 10 people convicted in fodder scam"/> More than 500 accused have been [[convict]]ed and awarded punishments by various courts.<ref name="Former RJD MP RK Rana convicted in multi-crore fodder scam"/>
==The scam==
The scam had its origins in small-scale embezzlement by some government employees submitting false expense reports, which grew in magnitude and drew additional elements, such as politicians and businesses, over time, until a full-fledged mafia had formed.<ref name="bbc2001" /> [[Jagannath Mishra]], who served his first stint as the [[List of Chief Ministers of Bihar|chief minister of Bihar]] in the mid-1970s, was the earliest [[Chief Minister (India)|chief minister]] to be accused of knowing involvement in the scam.<ref name="tribune1998k">{{Citation | title=Mishra pleads against fresh prosecution | newspaper=The Tribune | date=29 October 1998 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98oct29/head1.htm | quote=Snippet: ''... The former Bihar Chief Minister, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav and Mr. Jagannath Mishra, were today remanded in judicial custody till tomorrow after a designated court rejected their prayers for a provisional bail on adjournment of hearing for regular bail in a conspiracy angle case of the fodder scam ...''}}</ref>

In February 1985, the then [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]], [[T. N. Chaturvedi]], took notice of delayed monthly account submissions by the Bihar state treasury and departments and wrote to the then Bihar chief minister, Chandrashekhar Singh, warning him that this could be indicative of temporary embezzlement.<ref name="tribune1998l">{{Citation | title=Fodder scam: AG denies lapses | newspaper=The Tribune | date=8 July 2000 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000708/nation.htm#2 | quote=Snippet: ''... Comptroller and Accountant General (CAG), Mr T.N.Chaturvedi in a letter to former Bihar Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Singh on 11 February 1985, had pointed out the delay in submission of the monthly account by the treasuries and work divisions ...''}}</ref> This initiated a continuous chain of closer scrutiny and warnings by Principal Accountant Generals (PAGs) and CAGs to the Bihar government across the tenures of multiple chief ministers (cutting across party affiliations), but the warnings were ignored in a manner that was suggestive of a pattern by extremely senior political and bureaucratic officials in the Bihar government.<ref name="rediff1997a">{{Citation | title=Anatomy of a scam | newspaper=Rediff | date=18 June 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/jun/18bihar2.htm | quote=Snippet: ''... The Rs 9.5 billion fodder scam in Bihar came to light on 27 January 1996 at Chibasa in South Bihar when then deputy commissioner of the district Amit Khare ordered his officials to raid the office of the animal husbandry department ...''}}</ref> In 1992, Bidhu Bhushan Dvivedi, a police inspector with the state's anti-corruption vigilance unit submitted a report outlining the fodder scam and likely involvement at the chief ministerial level to the director general of the same vigilance unit, G. Narayan.<ref name="singh1999">Joginder Singh, "Inside CBI", Chandrika Publications, 1999, {{ISBN|81-87431-00-8}}.</ref><ref name="index2008b">{{Citation | title=Once there was a scam…
| newspaper=Indian Express | date=15 July 2008 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/once-there-was-a-scam.../335964/}}</ref> In alleged reprisal, Dvivedi was transferred out of the vigilance unit to a different branch of the administration, and then suspended from his position. He was later to be a witness as corruption cases relating to the scam went to trial, and reinstated by order of the [[Jharkhand High Court]].
==Exposure and investigation==
Bihar Veterinary Association for the first time exposed Animal Husbandry Mafia in its 1985 Press Conference. In 1990 the executive committee of Bihar Veterinary Association was changed and Dr Dinneshwar Prasad Sharma was made the General Secretary of BVA. Once the mafia had control over the association, they went all guns blazing. At that point, Dr. Dharmendra Sinha and Dr. Biresh Prasad Sinha (the ex-office bearers of BVA) started collecting and gathering information against this whole unethical practice of Mafia. They exposed this to all the political guns of Bihar. Among all these political guns was Sushil Kumar Modi who initiated the whole episode after it was broken out by V S Dubey.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fodder-scam-case-lalu-prasad-yadav/1/948323.html|title=Fodder scam under Lalu Prasad Yadav: When cattle rode a scooter, oil purchased to polish buffalo horns|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> The then charismatic yet 'native' leader Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Chief Minister of undivided Bihar, where the then finance commissioner V S Dubey stumbled upon the financial irregularities of a massive scale.
In 1992, then Police Inspector Bidhu Bhushan Dvivedi who was with the state vigilance department submitted a detailed report highlighting the inclusion of high-profile persons including Chief Minister and others. His reports were ignored and he was transferred to another department and was slapped with multiple frivolous inquiries and suspension. He was also threatened by hurling bomb in his residence so as to stay away from participating investigations. Although the scam was later picked by other authorities and persons of interests. He was never given true credit for unearthing the biggest scam while being in a subordinate rank with true compassion and honesty.

On 19 January 1996, State Finance Secretary V S Dubey ordered district magistrates and deputy commissioners of all districts to go into cases of excessive withdrawals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fodder-scam-a-recap-and-timeline/article18408968.ece|title=The fodder scam: a recap|author=The Hindu Net Desk|date=2017-05-08|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-12-29|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He followed it up on 20 January 1996 by despatching one of his additional secretaries to make an enquiry of the excessive drawls of money by Animal Husbandry department from Ranchi treasury.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/lalu-prasad-yadav-convicted-in-fodder-scam-how-a-one-line-fax-unearthed-corruption-scandal-unseated-ex-bihar-cm-4293169.html|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav convicted in fodder scam: How a one line fax unearthed corruption scandal, unseated ex-Bihar CM - Firstpost|website=www.firstpost.com|date=8 January 2018|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> The enquiry revealed a whole scale loot of government money; drawn fraudulently by forged documents. Then on 27 January 1996, the [[Deputy Commissioner (India)|deputy commissioner]] of [[West Singhbhum]] district, [[Amit Khare]], acted on direction from [[Vijai Shankar Dubey]] to conduct a raid on the offices of the animal husbandry department in the town of [[Chaibasa]] in the district under his authority. The documents his team seized, and went public with, conclusively indicated large-scale embezzlement by an organised mafia of officials and business people. The news of fodder scam was first broken out by Indian journalist Ravi S Jha, who working with the Asian Age then in Calcutta, named the then Bihar Chief Minister of having implicit involvement in the scam. Based on evidence collected by him from Chaibasa, Jha not only found out widespread involvement of Bihar government machinery in the scam, he even mentioned how earlier governments too were taking advantage of a shoddy system, where top government officials along with the ministers were flouting norms to make money illegally. Jha, an associate director of Public Affairs, is currently working with anti-corruption crusader and good governance promoter Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.<ref name="rediff1997a" /> Lalu ordered the constitution of a committee to probe the irregularities.<ref name="merinews2008">{{Citation | title=CBI convicted 64 in fodder scam | newspaper=Merinews | date=16 July 2008 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://photos.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=137712}}</ref>

There were fears that state police, which is accountable to the state administration, and the probe committee would not investigate the case vigorously, and demands were raised to transfer the case to the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI), which is under federal rather than state jurisdiction. Allegations were also made that several of the probe committee members were themselves complicit in the scam.<ref name="merinews2008" /> A [[Public Interest Litigation|public interest litigation]] was filed with the [[Supreme Court of India]], which led to the court's involvement,<ref name="merinews2008" /> and based on the ultimate directions issued by the supreme court, in March 1996, the [[Patna High Court]] ordered that the case be handed over to the CBI.<ref name="indiatoday2001">{{Citation | title=NDA Ministers Want Rabri Out | newspaper=India Today Magazine | date=21 May 2001 | access-date=1 November 2008 | url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010521/state2.shtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034543/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010521/state2.shtml | archive-date=24 September 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

An inquiry by the CBI began and, within days, the CBI filed a submission to the High Court that Bihar officials and legislators were blocking access to documents that could reveal the existence of a politician-official-business mafia nexus at work.<ref name="indexp1997w">{{Citation | title=Privilege move against CBI in fodder scam dropped | newspaper=Indian Express | date=7 June 1997 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970607/15850253.html | quote=Snippet: ''... the Bihar Legislative Council today dropped privilege proceedings against five Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, including its Joint Director (East) [[U. N. Biswas]], following '`their unqualified apology'' over the allegation of '`non-cooperation'' by the Council in connection with the Rs 950-crore fodder scam ... the CBI had on 28 March last made a submission in the court for a direction to the Council secretary to provide certain documents said to be relevant to unfold the conspiracy aspect of the scam as '`request to this effect was turned down on the plea that they are privileged documents' ...''}}</ref> Some legislators of the [[Bihar Legislative Council]] responded by claiming the court had been misinformed by the CBI and initiating a [[privileged motion|privilege motion]] to discuss possible action against senior figures in the regional headquarters of the CBI, which could proceed similar to a [[contempt of court]] proceeding and result in stalling the investigation or even prosecution of the named CBI officials.<ref name="indexp1997w" />

However, [[U. N. Biswas]], the regional CBI director, and the other officials tendered an unqualified apology to the Legislative Council, the privilege motion was dropped, and the CBI probe continued.<ref name="indexp1997w" /> As the investigation proceeded, the CBI unearthed linkages to the serving chief minister of Bihar, [[Laloo Prasad Yadav|Lalu Prasad Yadav]] and, on 10 May 1997, made a formal request to the federally-appointed [[Governor of Bihar]] to prosecute Lalu (who is often referred by his first name in Indian media).<ref name="rediff1997b">{{Citation | title=CBI seeks governor's nod for Laloo's prosecution | newspaper=Rediff | date=10 May 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/may/10laloo.htm | quote=Snippet: ''... The Central Bureau of Investigation on Saturday approached Bihar Governor A R Kidwai for seeking sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav ...''}}</ref> On the same day, a businessman, Harish Khandelwal, who was one of the accused was found dead on train tracks with a note that stated that he was being coerced by the CBI to turn witness for the prosecution.<ref name="rediff1997b" /> The CBI rejected the charge and its local director, U. N. Biswas, kept the appeal to the governor in place.<ref name="index2008b" /><ref name="rediff1997b" /> An Income Tax Investigation also blamed Lalu for the scam. On 8 May 2017, In a major set back for RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Supreme Court has ordered separate trials in all four cases registered against him in the Rs. 1000 crore fodder scam. The SC was hearing a CBI plea challenging the Jharkhand High Court's dropping of conspiracy charges against him. The SC asked the trial court to complete the trial in 9 months.
==Path to prosecution==
A few days of uncertainty followed the CBI's request to the state governor to prosecute the chief minister. The governor, [[Akhlaqur Rahman Kidwai|A. R. Kidwai]], was accountable to the federal government, and had already stated that he would need to be satisfied that strong evidence against Lalu existed before he would permit a formal indictment to proceed.<ref name="rediff1997c">{{Citation | title=Nod for Laloo's prosecution only if there's strong evidence: Bihar governor | newspaper=Rediff | date=9 May 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/may/09laloo.htm}}</ref> The federal government, led by newly appointed prime minister [[I. K. Gujral|Inder Kumar Gujral]] who had just succeeded the short-lived government of the previous prime minister [[H. D. Deve Gowda]], consisted of a [[Coalition government|coalition]] that depended on support from federal legislators affiliated with Lalu for its survival.<ref name="index2008b" /><ref name="nytimes1997gs">{{Citation | title=India Coalition Picks a Premier To End Crisis |newspaper=The New York Times| date=20 April 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9904E7D8163EF933A15757C0A961958260 | quote=Snippet: ''... India's coalition Government ended three weeks of political turmoil today by naming as the country's new Prime Minister Inder K. Gujral ... Mr. Gujral, 77, was a surprising choice after days of maneuvering between the 14-party coalition Government and the Congress Party ...'' | first=John F. | last=Burns}}</ref> It was also unclear why the CBI had sought the governor's consent in the first place and, when the High Court demanded to know why it was being sought, the CBI stated that it was a "precautionary measure."<ref name="indexp1997u">{{Citation | title=HC seeks time-frame in fodder scam trial |newspaper=Indian Express| date=18 May 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970520/14050173.html | quote=Snippet: ''... "Suppose the Governor does not decide within one year, should the High Court be a silent spectator?" the court said. "The sanctioning authorities must realise the import of the case and come up with the sanction at the earliest." ... Though the CBI counsel tried to clarify that Governor's permission was resorted to as a precautionary measure, the court said, "What precaution? If any authority tries to delay, the court will be well within its jurisdiction to give the direction." "We are not drawing any inference. But we simply want a yes or no from them. Don't keep the issue pending for long," the court said. ...''}}</ref> The High Court, questioning the tactic, warned that it would allow some time for the permission to transpire, but if it sensed a delay, it would force a prosecution on its own authority.<ref name="indexp1997u" />

On 17 June, the governor gave permission for Lalu and others to be prosecuted.<ref name="businessstd1997">{{Citation | title=Kidwai sanctions prosecution of Laloo, 55 others | newspaper=Business Standard | date=18 June 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=45431}}</ref> Five senior Bihar government officials (Mahesh Prasad, science and technology secretary; K. Arumugam, labour secretary; Beck Julius, animal husbandry department secretary; Phoolchand Singh, former finance secretary; Ramraj Ram, former AHD director), the first four of whom were [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] officers, were taken into judicial custody on the same day.<ref name="indexp1997dw">{{Citation | title=Countdown begins for Laloo's dethronement | newspaper=Indian Express | date=18 June 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970618/16950463.html | quote=Snippet: ''... Within the JD, there is no love lost between Laloo and the former Prime Minister [[H. D. Deve Gowda]]. There is considerable rancour between the two for the role Laloo played in dislodging the latter from the Prime Minister's post. ... Five senior Bihar officials – including one retired officer and three serving officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) – arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Rs 9.50 billion fodder scam, were today remanded to judicial custody for eight days. ...''}}</ref><ref name="indexp1997xgq">{{Citation | title=Laloo charged, stay on arrest declined | newspaper=Indian Express | date=24 June 1997 | access-date = 4 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970624/17550173.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The case – RC 20 (A/96) – was registered on 27 April 1996, by the CBI on the orders of the Supreme Court and the Patna High Court. It involved fraudulent withdrawals to the tune of around Rs 370 million during 1994–95 from the Chaibasa treasury on the basis of fake bills from suppliers and fake supply orders. ...''}}</ref> The CBI also began preparing a [[chargesheet]] against Lalu to be filed in a special court. Expecting to be accused and imprisoned, Lalu filed an [[anticipatory bail]] petition, which the CBI opposed in a deposition to the court, listing the evidence against Lalu.<ref name="indexp1997r">{{Citation | title=CBI opposes Laloo's bail plea | newspaper=Indian Express | date=21 June 1997 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970621/17250033.html | quote=Snippet: ''... Even as investigating officials and legal officers were dotting their I's and crossing their T's on the chargesheet in the CBI office here, counsel Ansari told the court that the investigating agency has ''strong evidence'' of not merely Laloo's connivance in the fodder scam but also his master-minding it ...''}}</ref> Also, on 21 June, fearing that evidence and documentation that might prove essential in further exposing the scam were being destroyed, the CBI conducted raids on Lalu's residence and those of some relatives suspected of complicity.<ref name="indexp1997s">{{Citation | title=CBI raids Laloo's home|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=22 June 1997|access-date=1 November 2008|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/4417/|quote=Snippet: ''... Laloo's ancestral house and residences of his in-laws in Gopalganj and Siwan districts were raided. According to CBI sources, the raids in Mirganj, Fulwaria and Saraikala yielded some incriminating documents and a huge amount of cash. The fathers-in-law of Laloo's two brothers-in-law were arrested.On a tip-off that documents related to the scam were being shifted, a team of nearly fifty sleuths left for Laloo's ancestral village yesterday night. ...''}}</ref>

On 23 June, the CBI filed chargesheets against Lalu and 55 other co-accused,<ref name="indiatoday1998">{{Citation | title= Spoils of Surrender | newspaper=India Today Magazine | date=9 November 1998 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/09111998/bihar.html}}</ref> including [[Chandradeo Prasad Verma]] (a former union minister), [[Jagannath Mishra]] (former Bihar chief minister), two members of Lalu's cabinet (Bhola Ram Toofani and Vidya Sagar Nishad), three Bihar state assembly legislators (RK Rana of the Janata Dal, Jagdish Sharma of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] party, and Dhruv Bhagat of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]) and some current and former IAS officers (including the 4 who were already in custody).<ref name="indexp1997xgq" /> Mishra was granted anticipatory bail by the Bihar state High Court.<ref name="indexp1997xow">{{Citation | title=Mishra gets bail, Laloo moves HC | newspaper=Indian Express | date=28 June 1997 | access-date = 5 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970628/17950093.html | quote=Snippet: ''... in the first information report nothing has been said about Mishra ... Besides, he has been suffering from several ailments ...''}}</ref> Lalu's anticipatory bail petition, however, was rejected by the same court, and he appealed to the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]], which resulted in a final denial of bail on 29 July.<ref name="indiatoday1998" /> On the same day, Bihar state police were ordered to arrest him.<ref name="nytimes1997c">{{Citation | title= India Police Order Arrest of Politician in Scandal | newspaper=The New York Times | date=30 July 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEEDF1E3AF933A05754C0A961958260}}</ref> The next day, he was jailed.<ref name="nytimes1997d">{{Citation | title= Indian Official Jailed on Corruption Charges | newspaper=The New York Times | date=31 July 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9904E2D61F3AF932A05754C0A961958260}}</ref> Later, the Bihar [[Director General of Police]], SK Saxena, justified the one-day delay in arresting Lalu by stating in court that "any precipitate action would have led to police firing and killing of a large number of people."<ref name="indexp1997krs">{{Citation | title=DGP defends 'non-cooperation' | newspaper=Indian Express | date=13 August 1997 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970813/22550363.html | quote=Snippet: ''... At 11.45 pm Kaul phoned the DGP seeking adequate security for execution of the warrant, but intelligence reports emanating from the chief minister's residence said a large number of media persons and ruling party supporters had gathered inside the premises ...''}}</ref>
==End of Lalu's chief ministership==
As it became evident that Lalu would be engulfed in the scandal and its prosecution, demands for him to be removed from the chief ministership had gained momentum both from other parties,<ref name="indexp1997ed">{{Citation|title=BJP urges Sharma to dismiss Laloo government |newspaper=Indian Express |date=18 June 1997 |access-date=2 November 2008 |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/19970706/18755283.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421041341/http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/19970706/18755283.html |archive-date=21 April 2009 }}</ref><ref name="businessstd1997a">{{Citation | title=CPI asks Governor to sack Laloo govt | newspaper=Business Standard | date=2 July 1997 | access-date = 31 October 2008 | url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=48232}}</ref> as well as within Lalu's own party, the [[Janata Dal]].<ref name="indexp1997esq">{{Citation | title=Laloo should resign if charge-sheeted: Patel | newspaper=Indian Express | date=26 May 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970526/14650253.html}}</ref> On 5 July, Lalu formally parted ways with the Janata Dal and formed his own party, the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (or RJD), taking with him virtually all the Janata Dal legislators in the Bihar state assembly,<ref name="indexp1997jsy">{{Citation | title=Laloo breaks JD, forms new party | newspaper=Indian Express | date=6 July 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970706/18750813.html}}</ref> and winning a [[Motion of Confidence|vote of confidence]] in the state assembly a few days later.<ref name="indexp1997ksg">{{Citation | title=Laloo puts the smile back on Soren, Mandal's face | newspaper=Indian Express | date=22 July 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970722/20350643.html | quote=Snippet: ''... Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders Shibu Soren and Suraj Mandal ... Their rehabilitation inarguably has a lot to do with the role the 18 MLA-strong JMM played in helping the Laloo Prasad Yadav Government survive the 15 July no-confidence motion ... In an apparent quid pro quo for their support, Laloo, who once claimed that a Jharkhand state could only be carved out in Bihar over his dead body, has elevated Soren ... it appears that a resolution for the formation of a Jharkhand state will feature in the Bihar Assembly on Tuesday ...''}}</ref> The RJD continued to support the coalition federal government, however.<ref name="indexp1997jsy" /> With demands for his resignation continuing to mount, on 25 July, Lalu resigned from his position, but was able to install his wife, [[Rabri Devi]] as the new chief minister on the same day. On 28 July 1997, Rabri's new government won another vote of confidence in the Bihar legislature by 194–110, thanks to the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] and [[Jharkhand Mukti Morcha]] parties voting in alignment with the RJD.<ref name="indexp1997t">{{Citation | title=Rabri wins trust vote | newspaper=Indian Express | date=29 July 1997 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970729/21050043.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The Bihar Assembly was plunged into laughter when Rabri Devi said that she was prepared to shift her husband, Laloo Prasad Yadav, out of her official residence and to the house of opposition leader, Sushil Kumar Modi. "You are my elder brother ..... I am prepared to shift my husband to your house," she told Modi when he said that Yadav should not be allowed to stay at the Chief Minister's residence following filing of chargesheet against him in the fodder scam. ...''}}</ref>

Lalu claimed he had been instrumental in helping [[HD Deve Gowda]] become the prime minister.<ref name="indexp1997wq">{{Citation | title=PM Gowda wept, fainted when I confronted him over fodder case: Lalu | newspaper=Indian Express | date=4 August 2008 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/PM-Gowda-wept-fainted-when-I-confronted-him-over-fodder-case-Lalu/344375/ | quote=Snippet: ''... He told Joginder Singh, the then Director of CBI to file a chargesheet against me... I went to him at his 7, Race Course Road residence and told him, "Why are you hanging me? I will not be able to work in Bihar'. He was rude and I was also hyper. We said a lot of bad things to each other. He started weeping and fainted." ... "I made him the Prime Minister and paid for it. By choosing him, I made a mistake." ...''}}</ref> However, there was press speculation that Gowda held a grudge against Lalu for insisting that Gowda step down when Gowda's fledgling government ran into internal coalition squabbles, and this motivated him to push CBI Director [[Joginder Singh (CBI director)|Joginder Singh]] for Lalu's prosecution.<ref name="indexp1997dw" /><ref name="indexp1997rt">{{Citation | title=Is Joginder taking political advantage of the CBI | newspaper=Indian Express | date=5 May 1997 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970505/12550543.html | quote=Snippet: ''... It is also odd that Joginder Singh did not inform the new Prime Minister about what he was about to do. No doubt, the CBI has been asked to function under the direct supervision of the courts in certain sensitive cases. But surely the Prime Minister, who heads the CBI and who as the country's executive head should not be caught by surprise by any action of any wing of the government ... Laloo believes that [[Deve Gowda]] is using the CBI chief to get at him, and that Gowda's kitchen cabinet, C M Ibrahim, Ram Vilas Paswan and Shrikant Jena, sold him the idea. (Gowda has not forgiven Laloo and others for demanding he step down before the Vote of Confidence.) ...''}}</ref> Much later, in 2008, Lalu also claimed that [[Deve Gowda]] confessed, and "wept and fainted," when Lalu confronted him on inciting the CBI to pursue the prosecution.<ref name="indexp1997wq" /> Looking retrospectively, Lalu has said that the scam had a lasting negative impact on his political career, and may have ended his prospects to one day be prime minister of India.<ref name="toi2006sq">{{Citation | title=Fodder scam cost me dear: Lalu | date=20 December 2006 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-12-20/patna/27814446_1_fodder-scam-lalu-rabri-lalu-prasad | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022035317/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-12-20/patna/27814446_1_fodder-scam-lalu-rabri-lalu-prasad | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 October 2012 | newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | quote=Snippet: ''... "I have suffered a lot due to the fodder scam – politically and personally. The state has also suffered. But I have no grievance against anybody. Post-fodder scam, I realised that 'I cannot become the PM of the country'. Therefore, I made PMs. A lot of my aides and friends left me." ... But Lalu, the politician soon took over from an emotional Lalu. "As of now, my plan to become PM stands postponed. Manmohanji is a popular PM and a gentleman to boot. I will continue to support him even after the completion of the five-year term. I am a trusted ally of the Congress." ...''}}</ref>

There were reports that Joginder Singh had violated norms in keeping the new prime minister, IK Gujral, in the dark as he pursued the prosecution.<ref name="indexp1997rt" /> Gujral's own new government also depended on Lalu for support in parliament,<ref name="indexp1997ch">{{Citation | title=Gujral sends Joginder Home | newspaper=Indian Express | date=1 July 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970701/18250033.html | quote=Snippet: ''... In a move which is seen as a desperate ploy by Prime Minister I K Gujral to avert a split in the Janata Dal and woo Laloo Prasad Yadav, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Joginder Singh was today shifted to the Union Home Ministry as Special Secretary. ...''}}</ref> and Joginder Singh later alleged that Gujral had attempted to block the scam investigation from proceeding.<ref name="indexp1998uy">{{Citation | title=Fodder scam: Gujral tried to stall probe, says Joginder | newspaper=Indian Express | date=18 December 1998 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19981218/35250514.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The former CBI director virtually accuses Gujral of trying to stymie the investigations in the fodder scam in an effort to shield Laloo Prasad Yadav. ...''}}</ref><ref name="tribune2005sk">{{Citation | title=Gujral told me to go slow on Laloo: ex-CBI chief | newspaper=The Tribune | date=27 April 2005 | access-date = 1 November 2008 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050427/nation.htm#6 | quote=Snippet: ''... "Mr Gujral told me that Mr Laloo is from my party, don't arrest him. If you want to go ahead with the proceedings, go ahead, but don't arrest him." Mr Joginder Singh further added that "the matter didn't stop there and he got another call from the then Home Minister, Mr Indrajit Gupta, asking him go slow and save himself and his job." ...''}}</ref> On 30 June, the federal government issued orders to transfer Singh out of the CBI and into the Home Ministry as a Special Secretary,<ref name="indexp1997ch" /> which was technically a promotion but also had the effect of removing him from the investigation.<ref name="indexp1997jb">{{Citation | title=No more CBI transfers: Gujral | newspaper=Indian Express | date=1 July 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19970702/18350183.html | quote=Snippet: ''... Prime Minister I K Gujral, today said the transfer of outgoing CBI Joginder Singh, was a routine one on promotion, and assured that no further transfer in the department was in the offing ...''}}</ref> There was also an alleged follow-on move to transfer U. N. Biswas, the regional CBI director, which led to the High Court warning that it would act to disallow any such transfer.<ref name="indexp1997gb">{{Citation | title=HC against shunting Biswas | newspaper=Indian Express | date=5 August 1997 | access-date = 2 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970805/21750133.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The Patna High Court today said it will take "proper steps" in the event of the transfer of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Joint Director (East) U. N. Biswas, heading the agency team probing the fodder scam. ...''}}</ref>
==Prosecution==
As the CBI discovered further evidence over the following years, it filed additional cases related to fraud and criminal conspiracy based on specific criminal acts of illegal withdrawals from the Bihar treasury. Most new cases filed after the division of Bihar state (into the new Bihar and [[Jharkhand]] states) in November 2000 were filed in the new [[Jharkhand High Court]] located in Ranchi, and several cases previously filed in the [[Patna High Court]] in Patna were also transferred to Ranchi. Of the 63 cases that the agency had filed by May 2007, the majority were being litigated in the Jharkhand High Court.<ref name="outlookindia2007shq"/><ref name="toi2007jsd">{{Citation|title=Fodder scam case: 58 convicted, given jail terms |newspaper=Times of India |date=31 May 2007 |access-date=5 November 2008 |url=http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2088947.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501110715/http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2088947.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 May 2009 |quote=Snippet: ''... A total 63 cases were registered in the scam and 41 were transferred to Jharkhand after it was created from Bihar in November 2000 ... The CBI has filed charge sheets in almost every case and trials are under progress. Till now the special CBI court has passed judgment in 16 cases and nearly 200 accused in different cases have been punished with two to seven years imprisonment ...'' }}</ref>

Lalu's initial chargesheet, filed by the CBI on 27 April 1996, was against case RC 20-A/96, relating to fraudulent withdrawals of {{INRConvert|370|m}} from the Chaibasa treasury of the (then) Bihar government,<ref name="indexp1997xgq" /> and was based on statutes including [[Indian Penal Code]] sections 420 (cheating) and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), as well as section 13(2) of the [[Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988]].<ref name="tribune2000fc">{{Citation | title=Rabri granted bail, Laloo sent to jail | newspaper=The Tribune | date=6 April 2000 | access-date = 4 November 2008 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000406/main1.htm | quote=Snippet: ''... The Judge framed the charges in the case no. RC 20-A/96 of the Rs 950-crore scam under Sections 420, 467, 468, 437 (A) and 120 (B) of the IPC, besides under Section 13(1) read with 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. ...''}}</ref> Even though he had been jailed, he was kept in relative comfort at the Bihar Military Police guest house.<ref name="frontline2001hvd">{{Citation | title=The ride to Ranchi | newspaper=Frontline Magazine | date=8–21 December 2001 | access-date=5 November 2008 | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250430.htm | quote=Snippet: ''... He was lodged at the Bihar Military Police guest house in Patna. On 28 October 1998, Laloo Prasad was detained for 73 days ... after the Supreme Court took exception to his being lodged there, he was shifted to the Beur jail ... The third incarceration which began on 5 April 2000, in connection with a disproportionate assets case ...'' | url-status=usurped | archive-url=https://archive.today/20011229234112/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250430.htm | archive-date=29 December 2001 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> After 135 days in judicial custody, Lalu was released on bail on 12 December 1997.<ref name="pti1997jsd">{{Citation | title=Detained ex-Bihar chief minister freed on bail | newspaper=Press Trust of India | date=12 December 1997 | quote=Snippet: ''... Laloo Prasad Yadav was released from prison on Friday after 135 days of judicial custody ... freed after he furnished a bail-bond of 100,000 rupees and two sureties of the same amount ... The Patna high court granted bail ... case involves the fraudulent withdrawal of over 370 million rupees from government funds ...''}}</ref> The next year, on 28 October 1998, he was rearrested on a different conspiracy case relating to the fodder scam, at first being kept in the same guest house, but then being moved to Patna's Beur jail when the Supreme Court objected.<ref name="frontline2001hvd" /><ref name="indexp1999hr">{{Citation | title=Laloo gets interim bail | newspaper=Indian Express | date=7 January 1999 | access-date = 5 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990108/00850545.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The Supreme Court today granted interim bail to former Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav and five other accused ... The apex court on 18 December had granted bail to former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra ... had expressed serious concern over the preferential treatment given to Yadav and Mishra by the Bihar Government, which had lodged them at a guest house after notifying it as a jail. The court had ordered their shifting to Beur Central Jail in Patna ... and sought a compliance report from the Inspector General of Prisons ...''}}</ref> After being granted bail, he was rearrested yet again in a [[disproportionate assets]] case on 5 April 2000. His wife and then Chief Minister Rabri Devi was also asked to surrender on that date, but then immediately granted bail.<ref name="frontline2001hvd" /> This stint in prison lasted 11 days for Lalu, followed by one day's imprisonment in another fodder scam case on 28 November 2000.<ref name="frontline2001hvd" />

Jagannath Mishra had been permitted bail in June 1997, and avoided judicial remand when Lalu was first detained in July 1997. However, he was taken into custody on 16 September of the same year. He was freed on bail on 13 October but then remanded again, at the same time as Lalu, on 28 October 1998, when he was kept at the same guest house as Lalu, and later shifted to Beur jail along with him.<ref name="indexp1999hr" /><ref name="indexp1998lcr">{{Citation | title=Laloo & Mishra in judicial custody | newspaper=Indian Express | date=29 October 1998 | access-date = 5 November 2008 | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19981029/30250594.html | quote=Snippet: ''... The designated special CBI court today remanded former Chief Ministers of Bihar Laloo Prasad Yadav and Jagannath Mishra along with four others to judicial custody till tomorrow after inconclusively hearing their regular bail petitions ...''}}</ref> Mishra was freed on bail on 18 December,<ref name="indexp1999hr" /> but then rearrested in a different fodder scam case on 7 June 2000.<ref name="bbc2000hsj"/>

Due to the multiplicity of cases, Lalu Yadav, Jagannath Mishra, and the other accused have been remanded several times in the years since 2000. In 2007, 58 former officials and suppliers were convicted, and given terms of 5 to 6 years each.<ref name="indexp1999hr" /> As of May 2007, about 200 people had been punished with jail terms of between 2 and 7 years.<ref name="toi2007jsd" /> A 2005 litigation of one of the cases (RC 68-A/96) in the Jharkhand High Court involved over 20 truckloads of documents.<ref name=onlypunjab2005>{{Citation |title=Lalu, 69 others, charged in fodder scam |url=http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-21-newsID-2600.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110708160331/http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-21-newsID-2600.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2011 |date=26 April 2005 |newspaper=Onlypunjab.com |quote=Snippet: ''... Besides Lalu Prasad ... Charges were also framed against former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, former MP Rajo Singh, former Bihar animal husbandry minister Vidyasagar Nishad, former central minister Chandradeo Prasad Verma, four bureaucrats of the Indian Administrative Service,veterinary doctors and other government officials. There are 20 truckloads of documents in the case ...'' }}</ref>

On 1 March 2012, nearly 16 years after [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] was handled over the case, a special CBI court in Patna framed charges against [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]] and [[Jagannath Mishra]] along with 32 other accused. Of the total 44 accused, six have died, two have turned [[approver]]s, while two others are still evading arrest. The CBI had [[chargesheet]]ed them in this case on 3 March 2003. The court said that the trial would begin soon.<ref name="CBI court frames charges against Lalu, others in fodder scam">{{cite news | work=Rediff News | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/cbi-court-frames-charges-against-lalu-others-in-fodder-scam/20120301.htm | title=CBI court frames charges against Lalu, others in fodder scam | date=1 March 2012 | access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="Charges framed against Lalu Prasad, Jagannath Mishra in fodder scam case">{{cite news | title=Charges framed against Lalu Prasad, Jagannath Mishra in fodder scam case | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_fodder-scam-cbi-court-frames-charges-against-lalu-3-others_1657037 | website=DNA | date=1 March 2012 | access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="Charges framed against Lalu, Mishra in fodder scam">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-01/india/31113067_1_fraudulent-withdrawal-fodder-scam-cbi-court | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126112100/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-01/india/31113067_1_fraudulent-withdrawal-fodder-scam-cbi-court | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 January 2013 | date=1 March 2012 | access-date=1 March 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Charges framed against Lalu, Mishra in fodder scam}}</ref>
===Disproportionate assets case===
A [[disproportionate assets]] (DA) case was filed against Lalu in August 1998. The Income Tax claimed that Lalu had amassed wealth of Rs. 4.6 million out of the government treasury. Lalu and Rabri were [[chargesheet]]ed in April 2000 and charges were framed by the court on 9 June 2000. Finally, the couple was acquitted on 18 December 2006 by a special CBI court.<ref name="Lalu and Rabri set free by CBI judge in disproportionate assets case">{{cite web | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-and-rabri-disproportinate-assets-case-cbi-judge-has-cleared-and-not-guilty2007/1/156473.html | title=Lalu and Rabri set free by CBI judge in disproportionate assets case | work=India Today | date=1 January 2007 | access-date=3 May 2012}}</ref>

[[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] didn't appeal against this verdict in high court. However, [[Government of Bihar]] challenged the verdict (of CBI court) in [[Patna High Court]] and the high court accepted the plea.<ref name="Why was CBI not allowed to challenge order against Lalu?: Nitish">{{cite news | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Why+was+CBI+not+allowed+to+challenge+order+against+Lalu:+Nitish/1/91118.html | title=Why was CBI not allowed to challenge order against Lalu?: Nitish | work=India Today | date=3 April 2010 | access-date=3 May 2012}}</ref> This verdict of [[Patna High Court]] was challenged by Lalu and the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] in [[Supreme Court of India|SC]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-10/india/28128474_1_acquittal-appeal-cbi | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629134127/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-10/india/28128474_1_acquittal-appeal-cbi | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 June 2013 | title=CBI stands by Lalu Yadav, opposes Bihar govt plea in DA case in SC | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=10 March 2010 | access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of India|SC]] in April 2010 declared that the [[Government of Bihar]] has no right to file appeal against acquittal of the accused even in cases where the CBI refuses to challenge the trial court or High Court's verdict favouring the accused.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-22/india/30652718_1_acquittal-appeal-ajit-jogi | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103100425/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-22/india/30652718_1_acquittal-appeal-ajit-jogi | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 January 2013 | title=Chhattisgarh govt to SC: Review order in Lalu Prasad's DA case | date=22 January 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | access-date=3 May 2012 }}</ref>

In yet another twist in the case, [[Government of Chhattisgarh]] in an unrelated case requested the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] to review its verdict in Lalu Yadav [[Disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa|Disproportionate assets]] case. The [[Government of Chhattisgarh]] was aggrieved by [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] verdict in DA case when it was trying to challenge the acquittal of former chief minister [[Ajit Jogi]]'s son [[Amit Jogi]] in a murder case. After the trial court in Chhattisgarh acquitted Amit Jogi in May 2007, for over three-and-a-half years, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] again (similar to Lalu's [[Disproportionate assets|DA]] case) did not file any appeal. [[Chhattisgarh High Court]] rejected [[Government of Chhattisgarh]]'s appeal due to [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]]'s order (which is binding on all) in Lalu [[Disproportionate assets]] case. On 19 March 2012, the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] agreed to review its own decision in Lalu's [[Disproportionate assets]] case.<ref name="Can States Appeal in Cases Probed by CBI?: SC">{{cite news | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=756227 | title=Can States Appeal in Cases Probed by CBI?: SC | date=19 March 2012 | agency=PTI | access-date=3 May 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231351/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=756227 | archive-date=12 May 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in May 2012, Supreme Court dismissed the Review Petition holding that the earlier Judgment did not suffer from any mistake apparent on the face of the record warranting any review.<ref>{{cite web|title=State of Bihar v. Lalu Prasad Yadav & Anr. - Review Petition No. 231 & 232 of 2012 in Cr Appeal No. 662 & 670 of 2010|url=http://courtnic.nic.in/supremecourt/temp/rr%20231-23212p.txt|publisher=Supreme Court of India|access-date=29 September 2013|format=Text|date=3 May 2012}}</ref>
On 6 January 2018, the CBI Court has awarded Lalu a three-and-a-half-year jail term and five-lakh fine.
==Convictions==
{{See also|Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988|Indian Penal Code|Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973}}
As of May 2013, the trial has completed in 44 cases out of a total of 53 cases.<ref name="Ex-MP, former Bihar MLA among 10 people convicted in fodder scam">{{cite news|title=Ex-MP, former Bihar MLA among 10 people convicted in fodder scam|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/exmp-former-bihar-mla-among-10-people-convicted-in-fodder-scam/395307-3-233.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604092938/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/exmp-former-bihar-mla-among-10-people-convicted-in-fodder-scam/395307-3-233.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2013|access-date=4 June 2013|newspaper=IBN|date=31 May 2013}}</ref> More than 500 accused have been [[convict]]ed and awarded punishments by various courts. Some of the most prominent convicts include former CM of Bihar Lalu Prasad,<ref name="Lalu">{{cite news|title=Lalu Prasad, 44 others convicted in fodder scam case |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Patna/Lalu-Prasad-44-others-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case/Article1-1128934.aspx |access-date=30 September 2013 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=30 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930062156/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Patna/Lalu-Prasad-44-others-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case/Article1-1128934.aspx |archive-date=30 September 2013 }}</ref> former [[Member of Parliament (India)|Member of Parliament]] [[Rabindra Kumar Rana]] and former [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of Legislative Assembly]] [[Dhruv Bhagat]].<ref name="Former RJD MP RK Rana convicted in multi-crore fodder scam">{{cite news|title=Former RJD MP RK Rana convicted in multi-crore fodder scam|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-31/ranchi/39654625_1_shiv-kumar-kaka-multi-crore-fodder-scam-godda-treasury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604092501/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-31/ranchi/39654625_1_shiv-kumar-kaka-multi-crore-fodder-scam-godda-treasury|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2013|access-date=4 June 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=31 May 2013}}</ref>

On 30 September 2013, a Special CBI Court in [[Ranchi]] convicted [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]] and [[Jagannath Mishra]] along with 44 others in the case. Thirty-seven people were taken into judicial custody. The court has announced a sentence of five years and four years for Lalu and Jagannath Mishra, respectively.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fodder-scam-Lalu-Prasad-sentenced-to-5-years-in-jail/articleshow/23456085.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Fodder scam: Lalu Prasad gets five years in jail, Jagannath Mishra four - The Times of India}}</ref>
==Sentence==
Former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad was sentenced to five years in jail in a fodder scam case by a special CBI court on 3 October 2013. The court of Pravas Kumar Singh announced the quantum of punishment via video conference due to security reasons. Prasad has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 2.5 million. The 65-year-old leader has lost his Lok Sabha seat and is also barred from contesting election for six years following the sentencing due to an earlier Supreme Court order.

Another former Bihar chief minister, Jagannath Mishra, has been handed a 4-year sentence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav and Jagannath Mishra convicted in Fodder Scam Case|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fodder-scam-Lalu-Prasad-sentenced-to-5-years-in-jail/articleshow/23456085.cms|access-date=3 October 2013 | work=The Times of India}}</ref> This case, pertaining to the scamming
Yadav has been found guilty of illegal withdrawals of Rs 139.35 crore from the Doranda treasury by a special CBI court in Jharkhand's Ranchi on 15th February 2022.<ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fodder-scam-lalu-prasad-yadav-former-bihar-chief-minister-convicted-in-doranda-treasury-case-fifth-fodder-scam-case-2769107]</ref> A special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Ranchi on February 21, 2022 sentenced Yadav to five years' imprisonment and imposed ₹60 Lakh fine on him in the ₹139.35-crore fodder scam case.<ref>"[https://www.connectedtoindia.com/ex-bihar-cm-lalu-yadav-gets-five-years-in-jail-in-fodder-scam-case-9787.html Ex-Bihar CM Lalu Yadav gets five years in jail in fodder scam case".] Connected to India. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2022-02-21|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav gets five year in jail in fodder scam case, fined ₹60 lakh|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-yadav-gets-five-year-in-jail-in-final-fodder-scam-case-101645432190418.html|date=21 February 2022|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
==Impact==
Since it broke into public light, the fodder scam has become symbolic of bureaucratic corruption and the criminalisation of politics in India generally, and in Bihar in particular. It has been called a symptom of a "deep and chronic malady afflicting the Bihar government and quite a few other state governments as well."<ref name="epw1997sd">{{Citation | title=Economic and Political Weekly | newspaper=Economic and Political Weekly | year=1997 | access-date = 5 November 2008 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AvWwAAAAIAAJ | quote=Snippet: ''... The fodder scam is a small symptom of a deep and chronic malady afflicting the Bihar government and quite a few other state governments as well ...''}}</ref> In the [[Parliament of India|Indian parliament]], it was cited as an important indicator of the deep inroads made by [[Mafia Raj]] in the politics and economics of the country.<ref name="loksabha1997yht">Lok Sabha Secretariat, "Lok Sabha Debates ser.11 Jul 29 1997 v.15 no.5", Lok Sabha (House of the People), Parliament of India, 1997. ''... mafia raj in India. The whole country is now being carried by a sinking boat of corruption. Bihar is simply a part; a simple compartment of this sinking boat of corruption. The whole affairs of Bihar should be judged in this fashion and not with any bias and political malice ... ''</ref> Reference has also been made to the anarchic nature of governance (the "withering away of the state") that occurs when a mafia develops in a state-controlled sector of the economy.<ref name="gehlot2002">{{Citation | title=New Challenges to Indian Politics: Coalition Politics and Elections, Population Explosion, Women and Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Constitution, Judiciary and Recent Developments |author= N.S. Gehlot | publisher=Deep & Deep Publications | year=2002 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pPttAAAAMAAJ | isbn=978-81-7629-401-0 | quote=Snippet: ''... The very basis of the recommendation was that not merely the law and order situation had deteriorated in Bihar, the state had withered away. The Mafia raj prevailed there. ...''}}</ref>

The investigation and prosecution in the Fodder Scam has said to be guided by the political consideration and motive. For making a strong against case against the politicians and the bureaucrats, CBI launched the prosecution against majority of the officials including lower level staffs, which did not have any nexus with the scam. Many employees of the department were suspended and sentenced by the Courts, against whom there were evidence or direct involvement in the scam.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/sep/04bihar.htm | title=Fodder scam accused charges CBI with bias | website=Rediff.com| date=4 Jan 2000 | access-date=30 Jan 2016}}</ref> The rationale given in the judgement for such penalty was their posting or deputation in the offices from where the scams were conducted, without any direct involvement in the scams.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://civilcourtranchi.nic.in/pdf/fooder_scam.pdf | title=Judgement in R.C. CASE No 52(A)/1996 | publisher=Civil Court Ranchi| date=16 Jan 2012 | access-date=30 Jan 2016}}</ref> Due to this the family members of many employees were left without any option for earning. The trail which was started in 1996 is still in process and the fate of many innocent people has been hanging without a certainty.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Lalu Prasad Yadav is the only person on whom the [[Lok Sabha]] debated for a complete session as the official agenda.<ref name="Lalu Prasad and the Fodder Scam">{{cite web | url=http://news.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=5140159&page=7 | title=Lalu Prasad and the Fodder Scam | publisher=MSN India | date=30 April 2011 | access-date=3 May 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107023353/http://news.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=5140159&page=7 | archive-date=7 November 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of now, Lalu Prasad Yadav has been awarded a three-and-a-half-year jail term and a five-lakh fine by the CBI court on 6 January 2018.

On 24 January 2018 the court passed judgement for the third case and has awarded a five-year jail term and imposed a fine of ₹10,00,000/- (INR One Million) on Lalu Prasad Yadav. The total jail term in the three judgement sentences amount to 13½ years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lalu-prasad-yadav-convicted-in-third-fodder-scam/articleshow/62631133.cms |title=Lalu Yadav convicted in third fodder scam, sentenced to 5 years in jail |date=24 Jan 2018 |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=16 Nov 2018}}</ref>
==In Popular culture==
In 2021, Indian web series [[Maharani (web series)|Maharani]] was loosely based on this scam and subsequently [[Rabri Devi]] was made the [[Chief Minister of Bihar]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Aditya |title=Jungle Raj Inverted: 'Maharani' Gets Caste Better Than Many Others |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/maharani-web-series-huma-qureshi-sonyliv-rabri-devi-bihar-caste-politics |access-date=17 September 2021 |work=TheQuint |date=2 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Chaara Ghotala As Daana Ghotala, How Bollywood Passes Off Facts As Fodder For Fiction |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/chaara-ghotala-as-daana-ghotala-how-bollywood-passes-off-facts-as-fodder-for-fiction/384445 |access-date=17 September 2021 |work=Outlook India}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Corruption in India]]
*[[Maharani (web series)|Maharani]]
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==Sources==
* {{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/sushil-kumar-modi-people-responsle-for-ousting-the-fodder-scamdeputy-cm-con-video-vQiiG9VK0Ww-62205-4.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302002300/http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/sushil-kumar-modi-people-responsle-for-ousting-the-fodder-scamdeputy-cm-con-video-vQiiG9VK0Ww-62205-4.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2014 |title=Nitish will join hands with BJP again, claims Sushil Kumar Modi |date=20 Feb 2014 |website=FirstPost}}
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034540/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010521/state.shtml Political Fallout of Lalu's indictment ]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110816131421/http://fodderscamtruth.com/ Fodder Scam Truth ]
{{Alleged scams in India}}
{{Scams and confidence tricks}}
[[Category:Political corruption in India]]
[[Category:Politics of Bihar]]
[[Category:Fraud in India]]
[[Category:History of Bihar (1947–present)]]
[[Category:Corruption in Bihar]]
[[Category:Crime in Jharkhand]]

Lalu Prasad Yadav

2022-02-23T12:04:53Z

2405:201:400A:880E:AC52:DCD5:FFF8:31F8: /* Corruption cases */ Updated court judgement

{{short description|20th chief minister of Bihar and former union minister}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Lalu Prasad Yadav
| image = The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad addressing the Media to announce a policy matter in New Delhi on September 12, 2004.jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Yadav as [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Minister of Railways]], addressing in New Delhi, September 12, 2004.
| office = President of the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]]
| term_start = {{Start date|1997||}}
| term_end =
| predecessor = Position Established
| successor =
| office1 = [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Minister of Railways]]
| primeminister1 = [[Manmohan Singh]]
| term_start1 = 24 May 2004
| term_end1 = 23 May 2009
| predecessor1 = [[Nitish Kumar]]
| successor1 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| constituency1 = [[Saran (Lok Sabha constituency)|Saran]]
| office2 = 20th [[Chief Minister of Bihar]]
| term_start2 = 4 April 1995
| term_end2 = 25 July 1997
| predecessor2 = [[President's rule]]
| successor2 = [[Rabri Devi]]
| term_start3 = 10 March 1990
| term_end3 = 28 March 1995
| predecessor3 = [[Jagannath Mishra]]
| successor3 = [[President's rule]]
| constituency_MP4 = [[Chhapra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chhapra]]
| parliament4 = Indian
| term_start4 = 24 May 2004
| term_end4 = 22 May 2009
| predecessor4 = [[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]]
| successor4 = Constituency delimitated
| term_start5 = 2 December 1989
| term_end5 = 13 March 1991
| predecessor5 = Rambahadur Singh
| successor5 = [[Lal Babu Rai]]
| term_start6 = 23 March 1977
| term_end6 = 22 August 1979
| predecessor6 = Ramshekhar Prasad Singh
| successor6 = Staya Deo Singh
| party = [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|6|11|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Gopalganj, India|Gopalganj]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| parents = {{Unbulleted_list|Kundan Ray |Marachhiya Devi}}
| spouse = [[Rabri Devi]]
| alma_mater = {{flatlist|
[[Patna University]] ([[M.A]], [[LLB]])
}}
| children = 9 (incl. [[Tejashwi Yadav]], [[Tej Pratap Yadav]], [[Misa Bharti]])
| relations = [[Tej Pratap Singh Yadav]] (Son-in-law)
| state = [[Bihar]]
| website = https://rjd.co.in/shri-lalu-prasad/
}}
'''Lalu Prasad Yadav'''<ref name="myneta">{{cite web|title=Scanned Copy of 2009 Lok Sabha election affidavit|url=http://docs.myneta.info/affidavits/ls2009db/965/LaluPrasad_CR1.jpg|publisher=Association of Democratic Reforms|access-date=4 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011121/http://docs.myneta.info/affidavits/ls2009db/965/LaluPrasad_CR1.jpg|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> (born 11 June 1948)<ref name=RediffDOB>{{cite news | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/slide-show-1-lalu-prasad-yadav-the-shrewd-politicians-highs-and-lows/20130930.htm | title=Lalu Prasad Yadav: The shrewd politician's highs and lows | date=30 September 2013 | publisher=Rediff | access-date=16 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>While the Indian media was unsure as to the spelling of his name, in June 2004, he issued a clarification to the media to endure his name was spelt as ''Lalu'' and not ''Laloo''.{{cite web| url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/24lalu.htm| title=It's Lalu not Laloo and it's official (24 June 2004)| work=Rediff.com| access-date=8 May 2006| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050913014530/http://us.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/24lalu.htm| archive-date=13 September 2005}}</ref> is an Indian politician. He is the president of the political party [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD), a former [[List of Chief Ministers of Bihar|Chief Minister of Bihar]], a former [[Government of India|Union]] [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Minister of Railways]], and a former [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] of the [[Lok Sabha]].

He entered politics at [[Patna University]] as a student leader and in 1977 at the age of 29, was elected as the youngest member of the Lok Sabha for the [[Janata Party]]. He became the [[Chief Minister of Bihar]] in 1990. His party came to power in [[2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]] in partnership with [[Nitish Kumar]] of [[Janata Dal (United)|JD(U)]]. This coalition ended when Nitish resigned and RJD was ousted, becoming the opposition party. In [[2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]], RJD remained the single largest party in Bihar, and currently serves as the state's main opposition party. Lalu Yadav was convicted in the controversial [[Fodder Scam]], and was serving a term until 17 April 2021, when he was granted bail from the [[High Court]] in the [[Fodder Scam|corruption scandal]].<ref name="Lalu Yadav granted bail: HC">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/lalu-yadav-granted-bail-in-fodder-scam-case-by-jharkhand-high-court-101618643713744-amp.html|title=Lalu Yadav granted bail: HC|website=Hindustan Times|accessdate=19 April 2021}}</ref>
==Early and personal life==
Lalu Prasad, second of his parents six sons, was born in [[Phulwaria]] in [[Bihar]] to Kundan Ray and Marachhiya Devi, and attended a local middle school before moving to Patna with his elder brother.<ref name="teh">{{cite news|title=The Promise And Betrayal Of Lalu Prasad Yadav|url=http://www.tehelka.com/the-promise-and-betrayal-of-lalu-prasad-yadav/|access-date=4 October 2013|newspaper=Tehlka.com|date=3 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013071638/http://www.tehelka.com/the-promise-and-betrayal-of-lalu-prasad-yadav/|archive-date=13 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> After completing [[Bachelor of Laws]] and a [[M.A.]]<ref>https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-qualifications-schooling-of-Modi-and-Lalu-Yadav</ref> in [[Political science|Political Science]] from B. N. College of [[Patna University]], he worked as clerk in [[Bihar Veterinary College]] at [[Patna]] where his elder brother was also a peon. Lalu Prasad belongs to [[Yadav]] agricultural caste.<ref name="toi">{{cite news|title=Lalu, the milkman's son who rose from clerk to CM|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-01/india/42573630_1_lalu-prasad-fodder-scam-rjd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003101948/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-01/india/42573630_1_lalu-prasad-fodder-scam-rjd|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 October 2013|access-date=4 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 October 2013}}</ref> He turned down Patna University's Honorary Doctorate in 2004.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-01-11/patna/28331561_1_doctorate-pu-syndicate-patna-university-syndicate | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061120/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-01-11/patna/28331561_1_doctorate-pu-syndicate-patna-university-syndicate | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Laloo says 'no' to PU doctorate | date=11 January 2004}}</ref>

Yadav married [[Rabri Devi]] on 1 June 1973, in an [[arranged marriage]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lalu-paid-off-a-debt-to-his-wife-handsomely-1093659|title=Rabri vividly recalls how she had boarded a steamer at Pahleja Ghat in Sonepur (Chapra) to reach the Patna residence soon after her marriage on March 18, 1974 when curfew had been imposed all over the district|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224215207/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lalu-paid-off-a-debt-to-his-wife-handsomely-1093659|archive-date=24 December 2017}}</ref> and they went on to have two sons and seven daughters.<ref name=FamilyUnplanning>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/05/08/stories/2004050800031000.htm | title=The durability of Laloo Prasad Yadav | work=[[Business Line]] | date=8 May 2004 | access-date=24 February 2012 | author=Thakurta, Paranjoy Guha | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008033632/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/05/08/stories/2004050800031000.htm | archive-date=8 October 2012}}</ref>
==Political career==
===1970–1990: Student Leader and Youngest MP===
[[File:Lalu prasad 1988 nayagaon sonpur.jpg|thumb|right|Lalu Prasad Yadav addressing [[Yuva Janata Dal]] in [[Nayagaon, Bihar|Nayagaon]], Sonpur in 1988]]
In 1970, Lalu entered in student politics as the general secretary of the Patna University Students' Union (PUSU), became its president in 1973,<ref name=teh /> joined [[Jayaprakash Narayan|Jai Prakash Narayan]]' [[Bihar Movement]] in 1974<ref name=bs>{{Cite book|last=Dhar|first=P. N.|title=Excerpted from 'Indira Gandhi, the "emergency", and Indian democracy' published in ''Business Standard''|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-564899-7 |url=http://business-standard.com/india/news/the-nav-nirman-movement/80363/|access-date=23 November 2012|year=2000}}</ref> where he became sufficiently close to [[Janata Party]] (JP) leaders to become the Janta alliance's winning candidate in the [[1977 Indian general election|1977 Lok Sabha election]] from [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chapra]] at the age of 29.<ref name=teh /><ref name="UK">{{cite news|title=OBITUARY: Morarji Desai|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-morarji-desai-1615165.html|newspaper=The Independent|first=Kuldip|last=Singh|date=11 April 1995|access-date=27 June 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103104550/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-morarji-desai-1615165.html|archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> In 1979, the Janata Party government fell due to in-fighting. The parliament was dissolved with new polls held in 1980. Lalu quit Janta party to join the splinter group, Janta Party-S led by [[Raj Narain]], only to lose the [[1980 Indian general election|re-election]] in 1980. He managed to win [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]] election later in 1980, and again in 1985 to become leader of opposition in Bihar assembly in 1989. Later in 1989, he was also elected for [[9th Lok Sabha|Lok Sabha]] under [[V. P. Singh]] government. By 1990, he positioned himself as the leader of Yadav (11.7% of the Bihar's) and lower castes.<ref name=fp>{{cite news|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav: The man whose luck finally ran out|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/lalu-prasad-yadav-the-man-whose-luck-finally-ran-out-1152563.html|access-date=5 October 2013|newspaper=FirstPost|date=4 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007082329/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/lalu-prasad-yadav-the-man-whose-luck-finally-ran-out-1152563.html|archive-date=7 October 2013}}</ref> Muslims, who had traditionally served as [[Congress (I)]] [[vote bank]], shifted their support to Prasad after the [[1989 Bhagalpur violence]].<ref name="India Today">{{cite book|title=India Today|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gP4vAQAAIAAJ | access-date=8 February 2013 | year=1995 | publisher=Aroon Purie for Living Media India Limited | page = 156 }}</ref> He became popular among the young voters of Bihar.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2005-01-26/news/27487141_1_castes-bihar-nitish-kumar | title = Vox Populi: Laloo 'castes' his spell on Bihar | date = 26 January 2005 | access-date = 8 February 2013 | newspaper = The Economic Times | author = Girish Kuber }}</ref>
===1990–1997: Lalu Yadav as Chief Ministers of Bihar===
In 1990, Janata Dal came to power in Bihar. PM V. P. Singh wanted former chief minister [[Ram Sundar Das]] to lead the government.<ref name=toi /> and [[Chandra Shekhar]] backed [[Raghunath Jha]]. To break deadlock deputy PM [[Devi Lal]] nominated Prasad as CM candidate. He was victorious in an internal poll of Janta Dal MLA's and became the chief minister. On 23 September 1990, Prasad arrested [[L. K. Advani]] at [[Samastipur]] during the latter's [[Ram Rath Yatra]] to [[Ayodhya]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/blog/lalu-yadav-on-why-and-how-he-arrested-lk-advani-on-october-23-1990-1784734|title=Why And How I Arrested LK Advani By Lalu Yadav|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207105505/https://www.ndtv.com/blog/lalu-yadav-on-why-and-how-he-arrested-lk-advani-on-october-23-1990-1784734|archive-date=7 December 2017}}</ref> which establish himself as a secular leader among the people of Bihar.<ref>{{cite news|title=1990-L.K. Advani's rath yatra: Chariot of fire|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/1990-L.K.+Advani's+rath+yatra:+Chariot+of+fire/1/76389.html|access-date=5 October 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=24 December 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930042946/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/1990-L.K.+Advani's+rath+yatra:+Chariot+of+fire/1/76389.html|archive-date=30 September 2013}}</ref> The [[World Bank]] lauded his party for its work in the 1990s on the economic front.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.worldbank.org.in/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/INDIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20556842%7EpagePK:141137%7EpiPK:217854%7EtheSitePK:295584,00.html | title=World Bank Report: Bihar – Towards a Development Strategy | publisher=World Bank | access-date=23 May 2006 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220214247/http://www.worldbank.org.in/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/INDIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20556842~pagePK:141137~piPK:217854~theSitePK:295584,00.html | archive-date=20 December 2007}}</ref> In 1993, Prasad adopted a pro-English policy and pushed for the re-introduction of [[Indian English|English]] as a language in school curriculum, contrary to the ''angrezi hatao'' (banish English) policy of then [[Uttar Pradesh]] [[List of Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh|CM]] [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]. Policy of opposition to English was considered an anti-elite policy since both the Yadav leaders represented the same social constituents - the backward castes, dalits and minority communities.<ref>{{cite book|last=Selma K.|first=Sonntag|title=The Local Politics of Global English: Case Studies in Linguistic Globalization|year=2003|publisher=Lexington Books|location=Lanham, Maryland|isbn=978-0-7391-0598-6|pages=66–67|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djYssj8tVTYC&q=lalu+prasad+yadav&pg=PA67}}</ref> With the mass support of people of Bihar, Lalu continued to be Bihar CM.<ref name=toi />
===1997-2000: Formation of RJD and National Politics ===
[[File:RJD Flag.svg|thumb|right|RJD flag]]
In 1997, due to allegation related to Fodder Scam, a leadership revolt surfaced in Janta Dal, consequently Lalu broke away from Janta Dal and formed a new political party [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD).<ref name=profile /> In [[1998 Indian general election|1998 general]] for [[12th Lok Sabha]] Lalu won from [[Madhepura (Lok Sabha constituency)|Madhepura]],<ref>{{cite web|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1998 TO THE 12th LOK SABHA |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/LS_1998/Vol_I_LS_98.pdf |publisher=Indian Election Commission |access-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718181833/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1998/Vol_I_LS_98.pdf |archive-date=18 July 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> but lost in [[1999 Indian general election|1999 general election]] to [[Sharad Yadav]].<ref name=teh /> In [[2000 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]] he won and remained in opposition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistical Report, Bihar state election 2000|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2000/STAI_REPORT_LA-BR-2000.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=6 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930013206/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2000/STAI_REPORT_LA-BR-2000.pdf|archive-date=30 September 2012}}</ref>
===2000–2005:Rabri Devi as Chief Ministers of Bihar===
In 2002, Lalu was elected in [[Rajya Sabha]] where he stayed till 2004. In 2002, RJD formed the government with Rabri Devi as the CM. Except for brief President rule and 7 days term of [[Nitish Kumar]], RJD remained in power in [[Bihar]] till 2005.<ref name=rjdrule1 />
===2004–2009: Union Minister of Railway ===
[[File:Shri Lalu Prasad assumes the charge as Railways Minister in New Delhi on May 24, 2004.jpg|thumb|Lalu Prasad Yadav assumes the charge as Railways Minister in New Delhi on May 24, 2004|left]]In May 2004, Lalu Yadav contested [[2004 Indian general election|general election]] from [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chhapra]] and Madhepura against [[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]] and [[Sharad Yadav]] respectively and won from both the seats with a huge margin with the great support and faith of people of Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|title=STATISTICAL REPORT. ON. GENERAL ELECTIONS, 2004|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/SR_KeyHighLights/LS_2004/Vol_I_LS_2004.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=6 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010203826/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/SR_KeyHighLights/LS_2004/Vol_I_LS_2004.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2010}}</ref> In total, RJD won 21 seats and it allied with [[Indian National Congress]] becoming second-largest member of [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA I]] after Congress. Lalu Yadav became the [[Minister of Railways (India)|Railway Minister]] in the 2004 UPA Government. Later, he gave up the Madhepura seat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Laloo gives up Madhepura seat|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/10/stories/2004061006850104.htm|access-date=7 October 2013|date=10 June 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050405020457/http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/10/stories/2004061006850104.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=5 April 2005}}</ref>
As railway minister, Lalu Yadav left passenger fares untouched and focused on other sources of revenue for the railways. He banned plastic cups from being used to serve tea at railway stations and replaced those with ''[[kulhar]]''s (earthen cups), in order to generate more employment in rural areas.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1094240.cms| title=Lalu's 'kulhad', a flop in Bihar| newspaper=The Times of India| date=1 May 2005| access-date=23 May 2006| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060430153112/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1094240.cms| archive-date=30 April 2006}}</ref> Later, he also said that he had plans to introduce [[buttermilk]]<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/07/stories/2004070705580100.htm| title=Lalu spares passengers; freight untouched| access-date=18 May 2006| location=Chennai, India| date=7 July 2004| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050411121328/http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/07/stories/2004070705580100.htm| newspaper=[[The Hindu]]| archive-date=11 April 2005}}</ref> and [[khādī]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-05-05/india/27804461_1_indian-railways-rail-bhavan-delegates| title=Lalu refuses to be CEO, Railways India| access-date=18 May 2006| date=5 May 2006| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929024558/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-05-05/india/27804461_1_indian-railways-rail-bhavan-delegates| newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> In June 2004, he announced that he would get on the railway himself to inspect its problems and went on to board the train from Patna Railway station at midnight.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jun152004/i5.asp| title=Laloo's night out at Patna station| newspaper=Deccan Herald| date=15 June 2004| access-date=3 October 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010822/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jun152004/i5.asp| archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref>

When he took over, the Indian Railways was a loss-making organisation.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-yadavs-budget-of-railway/1/156215.html | title=The Money Train – Lalu Prasad Yadav brings profits for Indian Railways | magazine=[[India Today]] | date=12 March 2007 | access-date=3 October 2013 | author=Vaish, Nandini | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225903/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-yadavs-budget-of-railway/1/156215.html | archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> In the years under his leadership, it showed a cumulative total profit of {{INR Convert|38000|c}}. Business schools around the world became interested in Lalu Yadav's leadership in managing the turnaround. The turnaround was introduced as a case study by the [[Indian Institute of Management]].<ref name=bbcprofile>{{cite news|title=Profile: Laloo Prasad Yadav|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24327816|access-date=4 October 2013|date=30 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003235258/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24327816|archive-date=3 October 2013}}</ref> Yadav also received invitations from eight [[Ivy League]] schools for lectures, and addressed over a hundred students from [[Harvard]], [[Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania|Wharton]] and others in [[Hindi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061228/main11.htm |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Main News |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |access-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821120724/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061228/main11.htm |archive-date=21 August 2013}}</ref>

Harvard Business School and HEC Management School, France, have shown interest in turning Lalu Yadav's experiment with the Indian Railway into case studies for aspiring business graduates.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Lalu-goes-to-Harvard/articleshow/1715301.cms</ref>
[[File:Politicians campaing in Mumbai - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|Yadav together with [[Ram Vilas Paswan]] and [[Amar Singh (politician)|Amar Singh]] at a party rally in [[Mumbai]] during the [[2009 Indian general election|2009 general elections]]]]
===2005–2015: Out of power in Bihar and Center===
Bihar Assembly elections were held twice in the year 2005. There was a fractured verdict in February 2005 Assembly Election. Since no government could be formed in Bihar, fresh elections were held in October–November the same year. In November 2005 state elections RJD won 54 seats, less than both Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). [[Nitish Kumar]] led coalition, consisting of [[JD(U)]] and BJP, came to power. In the 2010 elections, the RJD tally was reduced to just 22 seats whereas the ruling alliance claimed a record 206 out of the 243 Assembly seats.<ref name=rjdrule1>{{cite news|title=Bihar Polls 2010: Nitish clean sweeps opposition|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2010/11/24/bihar-assembly-election-2010-results-rjd-jdu.html|access-date=3 October 2013|newspaper=oneindia news|date=24 November 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004224338/http://news.oneindia.in/2010/11/24/bihar-assembly-election-2010-results-rjd-jdu.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> In [[2009 Indian general election|2009 general election]] RJD won 4 seats and provided outside support to [[Manmohan Singh]] government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lalu: I will work for party's revival|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/lalu-i-will-work-for-partys-revival/article290540.ece|access-date=7 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 May 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508224736/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/lalu-i-will-work-for-partys-revival/article290540.ece|archive-date=8 May 2014}}</ref>
In May 2012, Lalu Prasad Yadav envisaged Hamid Ansari, previous vice-president, as a presidential candidate.<ref>'' Tewary Amarnath''.[http://dailypioneer.com/nation/62017-lalu-pitches-for-hamid-ansari-as-next-prez.html Lalu pitches for Hamid Ansari as next Prez] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084328/http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/62017-lalu-pitches-for-hamid-ansari-as-next-prez.html |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> In May 2013, Lalu Yadav tried to rejuvenate the party and fuel the party workers in his Parivartan Rally.<ref>{{cite news|author=ANI |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-15/india/39281058_1_parivartan-rally-lalu-nitish-kumar |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615233838/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-15/india/39281058_1_parivartan-rally-lalu-nitish-kumar |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2013 |title=At Parivartan Rally, Lalu slams Nitish, calls him dictator |date=15 May 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref> After the conviction in Fodder Scam on 3 October 2013, Yadav was disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha. In [[2014 Indian general election|2014 general election]], Lalu Yadav's RJD again won 4 seats.
===2015–current: Grand Alliance ===
In the [[2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]], Lalu Yadav's RJD became the largest party with a total of 81 seats. He along with his partner [[Nitish Kumar]] of JD(U) had the absolute majority to form a government in Bihar. This was cited as a major comeback for the RJD and for Lalu Yadav on the political stage of Bihar after a gap of 10 years. But that suffocating alliance did not last long as Nitish Kumar dumped and ousted Lalu's party from the power and alliance in July 2017 after the [[Enforcement Directorate]] and [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] lodged several criminal cases against Lalu's son and Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav.<ref name="nitil">[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-prasad-yadav-nitish-kumar-narendra-modi-nda/1/1012069.html Why Nitish Kumar junked Lalu Prasad Yadav to join hands with BJP.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803024422/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-prasad-yadav-nitish-kumar-narendra-modi-nda/1/1012069.html |date=3 August 2017 }}, [[India Today]], 27 Jul 2017.</ref><ref name=niti2>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/survivor-nitish-kumar-chooses-the-winner-dumps-lalu-for-modi/articleshow/59776139.cms Survivor Nitish Kumar chooses the winner, dumps Lalu for Modi.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224102918/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/survivor-nitish-kumar-chooses-the-winner-dumps-lalu-for-modi/articleshow/59776139.cms |date=24 December 2017 }}, [[The Economic Times|Economic Times]], 26 Jul 2017.</ref>
===Chronology of political career===
* 1977: Elected to the 6th Lok Sabha at the age of 29 from [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)]].
* 1980: Lost Lok Sabha election from Chapra in January as member of Charan Singh's Janata (Secular), but won Vidhan Sabha election in June.
* 1980–1989: Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (two terms), from [[Sonpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]], also spelled Sonepur
* 1989: A Leader of Opposition of Bihar Legislative Assembly, Chairman of Pustakalaya Committee, Convenor of Committee on Public Undertakings. Re-elected to the 9th Lok Sabha (2nd term) from [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)]].
* 1990–1995: Member of the Bihar Legislative Council.
* 1990–1997: Chief Minister of Bihar
* 1995–1998: Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, elected from [[Raghopur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]]
* 1996: Lalu implicated in [[Fodder Scam]]
* 1997: Splits from [[Janata Dal]] to form [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]].
* 1998: Re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (3rd term) from [[Madhepura (Lok Sabha constituency)]].
* 1998–1999: Member of General Purposes Committee, Committee on Home Affairs and its Sub Committee on Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, Consultative Committee of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
* 1999: Lost election from [[Madhepura (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* 2000: Won election from [[Raghopur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]] and Danapur, but vacated the Raghopur seat for Rabri Devi.
* 2002: Elected to Rajya Sabha, and vacated his Bihar assembly seat.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Laloo-Shatru-elected-to-RS-Ranjan-loses/articleshow/5104381.cms</ref>
* 2004: Re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha (4th term) from Chapra and Madhepura; retained Chapra. Appointed Cabinet Minister in the Ministry of Railways in [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] govt. Lalu, wife [[Rabri Devi]], son [[Tejashwi Yadav]] and daughter [[Misa Bharti]] booked for railway tender bribery scam, disproportionate illegal property and income tax evasion cases in 2017.
* 2009: Re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha (5th term). Contested two seats. Lost from [[Pataliputra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Pataliputra]] but won from [[Saran (Lok Sabha constituency)|Saran]], and disqualified in 2013 subsequent to his conviction in the first fodder scam case. And barred from contesting elections for 6 years.<ref>https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lalu-prasad-yadav-stands-disqualified-from-membership-of-lok-sabha-bjp/articleshow/23366808.cms?from=mdr</ref>
* 2020: RJD declares Lalu as mahagathbandhan coordinator for Assembly polls.
==Populist policies and consolidation of lower castes==
[[File:Lalu Prasad presenting a cheque of Rs. thirty lacs to Shri Akhil Kumar at the opening ceremony of the 56th Senior National Kabaddi (Men & Women) Championship being organized by Railway Sports Promotion Board from 11th to.jpg|thumb|Shri Lalu Prasad presenting a cheque of Rs. thirty lacs to Akhil Kumar at the opening ceremony of the 56th Senior National Kabaddi (Men & Women) Championship being organized by Railway Sports Promotion Board.]]
According to Seyed Hossein Zarhani, though Laloo Prasad became a hate figure among [[Forward Caste]]s, he drew huge support from backward castes and [[Dalit]]s. He was criticised for neglecting development but a study conducted during his reign among downtrodden [[Musahar]]s revealed that though the construction of houses for them hasn't been concluded at required pace, still they will choose Laloo as he returned them their "''ijjat''"(honour)
and for the first time they are allowed to vote. A number of populist policies which directly impacted his backward caste supporters were launched during his tenure. Some of these being; establishment of "''Charvaha schools''", where children of poor could get skilled; abolishment of cess on [[Palm wine|toddy]] and more importantly the negligence of rules related to reservation for backward castes were made cognizable offence. Laloo mobilised backwards through his identity politics. According to his conception, Forward Castes were elite in the outlook and thus he portrayed himself as, "''Messiah of backwards''" by ensuring that his way of living remain identical to his supporters who were mostly poor. He even continued to reside in his quarter of one room after getting elected as [[chief minister]], though later he moved to official residence of the [[Chief minister|CM]] for administrative convenience.<ref name="Zarhani">{{cite book|chapter= Elite agency and development in Bihar: confrontation and populism in era of Garibon Ka Masiha|title=Governance and Development in India: A Comparative Study on Andhra Pradesh and Bihar after Liberalization|publisher=Routledge|first=Seyed Hossein|last= Zarhani|year=2018|isbn=978-1351255189
|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3tqDwAAQBAJ&q=laloo+yadav+identity+politics&pg=PT200}}</ref>

Another significant event during his regime was the recruitment of backward castes and communities to government services in large numbers. The Government's white paper claimed to have significant number of vacancies in health sector and similar manpower crunch existed across various sectors. The rules of recruitment were changed drastically in order to benefit backward castes who supported Laloo. The frequent transfer of existing officers, who were at the higher echelon of bureaucracy was also an important feature of Laloo and [[Rabri Devi]] regime. These developments led to collapse of administration and entire system. Yadav however continued to rule Bihar due to massive support from backward castes as well as his emphasis on "honour" which he considered more important than the development. Thus according to Zarhani, for the lower caste he was a charismatic leader who was capable to become the voice of those who were silent for long.<ref name="Zarhani"/>

Another form of mobilisation of his [[Dalit]] supporters by Laloo Yadav was popularising all those folk heroes of lower castes, who were said to have vanquished the upper caste adversaries. One such example is of a popular Dalit saint who was revered as he not only ran away with an upper caste girl but also suppressed all her kins. Praising him could enrage [[Bhumihar]] caste in some parts of Bihar. There is a grand celebration every year at a particular place near [[Patna]] and Yadav participates in this fair with pomp and show. His energetic participation in this show makes it a rallying point for Dalits, who saw it as their victory and the harassment of upper castes.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NYNICgAAQBAJ&q=dalit+love+laloo&pg=PT23|title=Bihar: is in the Eye of the Beholder|first=Vijay|last= Nambisan|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2001|isbn=9352141334|access-date=2020-07-26}}</ref>

According to Kalyani Shankar, Lalu created a feeling amongst the oppressed that they are real rulers of state under him. He continuously lambasted the oppressors on the behalf of the oppressed and led to their emergence as the pivot of political power. The upper caste who composed just 13.2% of the population were controlling most of the land while the backwards who were 51% own very little land. With the advent of Lalu thd economic profile of the state changed too with the backward caste diversifying their occupational pattern as well as controlling more swathes of land.<ref name="Kalyani"/>

Lalu instilled a sense of confidence among Muslims by stopping [[Lal Krishna Advani]]'s controversial "[[Ram Rath Yatra|Rath yatra]]". Muslims of Bihar were feeling a sense of insecurity after the ghastly 1989 Bhagalpur riots. The [[Satyendra Narayan Singh]] government failed to control law and order situation thus death toll reached over 1000. The people affected were mostly poor weavers and others belonging to low strata of society and hence they were looking for a leader who could control the deteriorating situation of state under Congress. According to Kalyani, during this period upper castes were totally marginalised and backwards came to control the power firmly.<ref name="Kalyani">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rY8COowubxYC&pg=PA216|title=Gods of Power: Personality Cult & Indian Democracy|first=Kalyani|last= Shankar|publisher=Macmillan|year=2005|pages=216–220|
isbn=1403925100|access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
===Emergence as the leader of plebeians===
During his Chief Ministerial period, Yadav never tried to emulate the erstwhile elite chief ministers. He took part in the public festivals and popularised his famous ''Kurta far [[Holi]]'' (cloth tearing holi). On this occasion his invitees and the media persons would reach his house shouting: ''Kaha Chhupal hai Lalu Sala'' (Where is the bloody Lalu hiding ?). Yadav also responded in a similar abusive tone. The vulgar songs were also played on the occasion.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2MowBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA98|title= Alternative Voices: (Re)searching Language, Culture, Identity|author=Imtiaz Hasnain|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|year= 2013|isbn=978-1443849982|access-date=15 December 2020}}</ref> Besides this, he never hesitated in calling himself as a son of poor ''Goala'' (herder). During his public celebration of Holi festival, he used to play the ''[[Dhol]]'' himself and dance on the beat of ''Jogira'' song. Yadav's rallies were called railla, a symbol of masculinity. Those participating in these rallies were supposed to carry a lathi, a robust stick which was both the symbol of "masculinity" as well as the chief weapon of a "herder" who used it to manage his cows. The drinking of ''[[Bhang]]'', a natural liquor and sitting the whole night to watch the ''Launda'' dance (Dance of a [[Eunuch]] acting as a woman) made him popular among rural Biharis but all of these obscene activities of a Chief Minister irritated the middle class sensibilities.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zA2rCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173|title=Government of Peace: Social Governance, Security and the Problematic of Peace|chapter=Bihar 1990-2011|author=Ranabir Samaddar|date=3 March 2016|publisher=Routledge, 2016|isbn=978-1317125372|access-date=5 October 2020|page=173}}</ref>
According to Ashwini Kumar:
{{Quote|An astute mix of lower caste with minority politics therefore helped Lalu Yadav to establish his hold over the political scenario in Bihar. This marked the beginning of, what came to be known as 'Total politics' in which the identity of caste, class and religion came to be manipulated and exploited by the new state elite to retain and remain in power forever. As opposed to the traditional Congress-centric secular politics, the new secular politics of Lalu Yadav was non Brahmanical, vernacular and popular.<ref>{{cite book |first=Ashwani |last=Kumar |title=Community Warriors: State, Peasants and Caste Armies in Bihar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=num2I4NFGqIC&pg=PA80 |year=2008 |publisher=Anthem Press |isbn=978-1-84331-709-8 |page=80}}</ref> }}
==Criticism on Yadavisation==
Lalu Yadav's rule witnessed Yadav caste becoming assertive in the rural and urban landscape of Bihar, leading his opponents to coin the slogan of "Yadavisation" of Bihar's polity and administration. This fact was used by other political parties to dislodge his government on the charges of working for the benefit of a single caste group at the cost of various other backward communities. According to a report of Indian Human Development Survey (2011–12), [[Brahmin]]s topped in average per capita income with Rs 28,093, the other upper castes of Bihar which comprises Rajputs have an average per capita income of Rs 20,655, closely followed by middle agrarian castes like [[Kushwaha]]s and [[Kurmi]]s earning Rs 18,811 and Rs 17,835 respectively as their average per capita income. In contrast, [[Yadav]]s’ income is one of the lowest among OBCs at Rs 12,314, which is slightly less than the rest of [[Other Backward Class|OBC]]s (Rs 12,617). Hence; despite the political mobilisation of backward castes in post mandal period, the upper-caste are still the highest income groups in Bihar. According to this report, the economic benefits of the [[Mandal Commission|Mandal politics]] could be seen as affecting only few backward castes of agrarian background leading to their upward mobilisation. The Yadavs hence transformed their assertiveness to the upward mobility in the politics only while the other backward castes gained momentum in the other fields, though still the upper-caste dominance was retained in upper echelon of bureaucracy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/bihar-elections-caste-obc-mandal-6929329/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122091426/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/bihar-elections-caste-obc-mandal-6929329/ |title=Lower castes in Bihar have got political power, not economic progress|editor1=[[Christophe Jaffrelot]]|editor2=Kalaiyarasan A|website=Indian Express|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021}}</ref>
==Corruption, conviction and criticism==
===Corruption cases===
Lalu Prasad Yadav has been convicted and jailed in two scams. As of January 2018, he, his wife, his sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, and his daughter Misa Bharti were all facing charges in several other corruption cases.<ref name=ChorFamily1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-tender-case-ed-attaches-land-owned-by-lalus-family-in-patna/articleshow/61980877.cms Railways tender case: ED attaches land owned by Lalu's family in Patna] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201352/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-tender-case-ed-attaches-land-owned-by-lalus-family-in-patna/articleshow/61980877.cms |date=16 December 2017 }}, [[Times of India]], 8 Dec 2017.</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/701186.stm Laloo Prasad taken into custody] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208234714/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/701186.stm |date=8 February 2016 }}, BBC News, 5 April 2000</ref>On 21st February 2022, special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi sent Lalu Prasad Yadav to five years’ in prison and imposed INR 60 lakh fine on him in [https://www.connectedtoindia.com/ex-bihar-cm-lalu-yadav-gets-five-years-in-jail-in-fodder-scam-case-9787.html fodder scam case].
==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 1st case ====
{{main|Fodder scam}}
Yadav was an accused party and later convicted in the first Fodder Scam case of 1996. The case involved the siphoning off of about ₹ 4.50 billion ($111.85 million) from the animal husbandry department.<ref name=lal2>{{cite news |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050518/main1.htm |title=More charges framed against Lalu Yadav |newspaper=The Tribune |access-date=8 May 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507174653/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050518/main1.htm |archive-date=7 May 2006}}</ref>

Several allegations of embezzlement from the animal husbandry department were tabled between 1990–95. In January 1996, a raid conducted on Chaibasa treasury indicated the siphoning off of funds by non-existent companies. Yadav ordered an inquiry to probe the irregularities. However, after a [[Public Interest Litigation|public interest litigation]], the [[Bihar High Court]] in March 1996 ordered the case to be handed over to the CBI.<ref name="indiatoday2001">{{Citation |title=NDA Ministers Want Rabri Out |newspaper=India Today Magazine |date=21 May 2001 |access-date=7 October 2013 |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010521/state2.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034543/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010521/state2.shtml |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> In June 1997, the CBI filed the charge sheet in the case and made Yadav an accused. The charge forced Yadav to resign from the office of Chief Minister, at which time he appointed his wife, Rabri Devi, to the office.<ref name=profile>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3514292.stm|title=Profile: Lalu Prasad Yadav|work=BBC News|access-date=8 May 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222090325/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3514292.stm|archive-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>

In 2001, the [[Supreme Court of India]] transferred the scam cases to newly-formed court in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The trial began in 2002. In August 2013, Yadav tried to get the trial court judge transferred, but his plea was rejected by Supreme Court of India. Yadav has been an accused in many of the 53-odd cases filed. He has been remanded to custody on multiple occasions because of the number of cases. Over 64 people were convicted in the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=294484|title=Lalu accused in six fodder scam cases|publisher=Outlook|date=25 April 2005|access-date=29 May 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220155644/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=294484|archive-date=20 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250430.htm|title=The ride to Ranchi|publisher=Frontline|date=December 2001|access-date=29 May 2006|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20011229234112/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1825/18250430.htm|archive-date=29 December 2001}}</ref> Yadav was first sent to "Judicial remand" (Bihar Military Police guest house, [[Patna]]) on 30 July 1997, for 134 days.<ref name="ref_ride_to_Ranchi">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl1825/18250430.htm|title=The ride to Ranchi|magazine=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|date=December 2001|access-date=29 May 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004231814/http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl1825%2F18250430.htm|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/26laloo.htm "Jharkhand govt converts guest house into jail for Laloo"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154725/http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/26laloo.htm |date=24 September 2015 }} Rediff.com. Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref> On 28 October 1998, he was again sent to the same guest house for 73 days. When the Supreme Court took exception to his guest house stay, he had also moved to the Beur jail in Patna. On 26 November 2001, Yadav was again remanded, in a case related to the fodder scam.<ref>Ahmed Soroor [http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/26laloo1.htm Laloo Prasad Yadav surrenders before CBI special court] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125615/http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/26laloo1.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}, 26 November 2001</ref> Yadav accused the NDA of creating a conspiracy against him. On 1 October 2004, the Supreme Court served a notice to Yadav and his wife in response to a petition which alleged that they have been interfering with the investigation.

Yadav, along with 44 other accused, was convicted on 30 September 2013 after being found guilty in fraudulent withdrawal of ₹ 37 crores (₹ 370 million) from Chaibasa treasury.<ref name=guilty1>{{cite news|title=Lalu, 44 others convicted in fodder scam case|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lalu-44-others-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case/article5184894.ece|access-date=30 September 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930072415/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lalu-44-others-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case/article5184894.ece|archive-date=30 September 2013}}</ref> Several other politicians, IAS officers were also convicted in the case.<ref name=guilty1 /> Immediately after the verdict was pronounced, Yadav was arrested and taken to Birsa Munda Central Jail, located at Ranchi.<ref name=guilty1 /> Yadav was disqualified as MP for six years.<ref name="looses#">{{cite news|title=Lalu Prasad convicted in fodder scam case, faces disqualification as MP|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lalu-Prasad-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case-faces-disqualification-as-MP/articleshow/23295574.cms|access-date=30 September 2013|date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930075930/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lalu-Prasad-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case-faces-disqualification-as-MP/articleshow/23295574.cms|archive-date=30 September 2013}}</ref> He was given a jail sentence of five years and a fine of 25 [[lakh]] [[rupee]]s.<ref name="five">{{cite news|title=Fodder scam: Lalu Prasad gets 5 years in jail, stands disqualified |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Ranchi/Fodder-scam-Lalu-Prasad-gets-5-years-in-jail-stands-disqualified/Article1-1130469.aspx |access-date=3 October 2013 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003103058/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Ranchi/Fodder-scam-Lalu-Prasad-gets-5-years-in-jail-stands-disqualified/Article1-1130469.aspx |archive-date=3 October 2013 }}</ref>

He was released on bail from Birsa Munda Central Jail, after he completed the bail formalities in a Special CBI court, two-and-a-half months after his conviction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lalu-prasad-yadav-released-from-jail-1936089|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav released from jail – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=16 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302104919/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lalu-prasad-yadav-released-from-jail-1936089|archive-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>
====1998 disproportionate assets case====
In 1998, a [[Disproportionate Assets|disproportionate assets]] case arising out of the fodder scam was registered against Yadav and Rabri Devi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Timeline of Lalu Prasad's conviction|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-30/india/42535102_1_judge-pravas-kumar-singh-fodder-scam-lalu-prasad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003024845/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-30/india/42535102_1_judge-pravas-kumar-singh-fodder-scam-lalu-prasad|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 October 2013|access-date=7 October 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 September 2013}}</ref> In April 2000, both were made co-accused in the charge-sheet and surrendered. While Rabri Devi got bail due to being Chief Minister of Bihar, Yadav was remanded in Beur jail for 11 days.<ref name="ref_ride_to_Ranchi" /> They were acquitted in 2006. The Bihar government wanted to appeal against the acquittal but the Supreme Court in 2010 ruled that the state government can not challenge such rulings.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lalu wins Disproportionate Assets case in Supreme Court|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lalu-wins-disproportionate-assets-case-in-supreme-court-18894|access-date=7 October 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=1 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004051218/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lalu-wins-disproportionate-assets-case-in-supreme-court-18894|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>
==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 2nd case ====
Yadav was convicted and jailed in the second Fodder Scam case of INR8.927 million<ref name=lal1>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62447068.cms "Judgement in third fodder scam case against Lalu Yadav on January 24"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330081815/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62447068.cms |date=30 March 2018 }}, [[The Economic Times]], 11 January 2018.</ref> on the same day 23 December 2017 when his daughter Misa Bharti was also charged by the [[Enforcement Directorate]] of having disproportionate assets.<ref name="chor1">[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62220882.cms Lalu Prasad Yadav convicted in second fodder scam case] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107062521/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62220882.cms |date=7 January 2018 }}, [[The Economic Times|Economic Times]], 23 Dec 2017.</ref><ref name=misha4 /><ref name=misha2 /> Yadav was convicted 23 December 2017 and sentenced on 6 January 2018 to 3½ years' imprisonment and INR1,000,000 fine) for the fraudulent withdrawal of INR8,900,000 from the [[Deoghar]] district treasury between 1990 and 1994.
==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 3rd case ====
This case, pertaining to scamming INR356.2 million scammed from the [[Chaibasa]] tresury of [[West Singhbhum district]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lalu-prasad-yadav-sentenced-to-five-years-in-jail-in-third-fodder-scam-case/articleshow/62633292.cms |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-01-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124150003/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lalu-prasad-yadav-sentenced-to-five-years-in-jail-in-third-fodder-scam-case/articleshow/62633292.cms |archive-date=24 January 2018}}</ref>
==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 4th case ====
Yadav was convicted by the special CBI court in the fourth fodder scam case relating to alleged withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the [[Dumka district]] treasury over two decades ago.<ref name="Fourth fodder scam case">{{cite web |title=Fourth fodder scam case: Lalu Prasad convicted, Jagannath Mishra acquitted |date=19 March 2018|work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/fourth-fodder-scam-case-lalu-yadav-convicted-jagannath-mishra-acquitted/articleshow/63363630.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213744/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/fourth-fodder-scam-case-lalu-yadav-convicted-jagannath-mishra-acquitted/articleshow/63363630.cms |archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> CBI Judge awarded him two separate sentences of seven years each under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Acts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fodder-scam-case-lalu-prasad-sentenced-to-14-yrs-in-prison/articleshow/63440143.cms |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-03-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324223809/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fodder-scam-case-lalu-prasad-sentenced-to-14-yrs-in-prison/articleshow/63440143.cms |archive-date=24 March 2018}}</ref>
==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 5th case ====
This case, pertaining to the scamming
Yadav has been found guilty of illegal withdrawals of Rs 139.35 crore from the Doranda treasury by a special CBI court in Jharkhand's Ranchi on 15th February 2022.<ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fodder-scam-lalu-prasad-yadav-former-bihar-chief-minister-convicted-in-doranda-treasury-case-fifth-fodder-scam-case-2769107]</ref> A special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Ranchi on February 21, 2022 sentenced Yadav to five years' imprisonment and imposed ₹60 Lakh fine on him in the ₹139.35-crore fodder scam case.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2022-02-21|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav gets five year in jail in fodder scam case, fined ₹60 lakh|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-yadav-gets-five-year-in-jail-in-final-fodder-scam-case-101645432190418.html|date=21 February 2022|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
====2005 Indian Railway tender scam====

2005 Indian Railway tender scam, investigated by the CBI, is the bribery and corruption case where Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family are charged for illegally receiving prime property from the bidder as a bribe for corruptly awarding the Railway tender during Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister.<ref name=ChorFamily1 /> Transfer of these properties as bribe to Yadav and his children were disguised using the [[Shell corporation|shell companies]]; for example, wife [[Rabri Devi]] and three children, [[Misa Bharti]], [[Tejashwi Yadav]] and [[Tej Pratap Yadav]], received Saguna Mor Mall property worth INR 45 crore through a shell company named Delight Marketing (renamed as Lara properties), and another shell company AB Exports was used to transfer properties worth INR 40 crore for a price of INR 4 lakh to Lalu's other three children Tejashwi Yadav, Ragini and Chanda.<ref name="ChorCaught1">[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62400287.cms After Lalu's conviction, kids to face heat for ‘benami assets’, ''Economic Times'', 7 January 2018.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108062556/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62400287.cms |date=8 January 2018 }}</ref><ref name="ChorCaught2">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ed-attaches-lalu-prasad-yadav-s-rs-45-cr-patna-plot-2566190 ED attaches Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rs 45-cr Patna plot, ''DNA India'', 9 December 2017.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511152043/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ed-attaches-lalu-prasad-yadav-s-rs-45-cr-patna-plot-2566190 |date=11 May 2018 }}</ref> This case spawned several other related but independent cases, such as disproportionate assets case as well as tax avoidance case by ED.<ref name="ChorFamily1" /> Under the [[Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988|Benami Transactions Prohibition Act]] recipient of such [[Embezzlement|benami]] properties can be imprisoned for up to 7 years and fined up to 25% fair market value, and convicted politicians are barred from contesting elections or holding elected position for six years.<ref name="ChorCaught1"/>
====2017 Delight Properties case====

Investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), against Yadav, his wife, son Tejashwi, daughter Misa and others, arose from the alleged illegal proceeds of the 2005 Indian Railway tender scam.<ref name=ChorFamily1 /> The I-T department issued summons for 12 June 2017 to Misa Bharti, over Benami land deals worth Rs. 10 billion.<ref name=misha2>{{cite news|title=Benami assets case: IT dept summons Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti, her husband|url=http://indianexpress.com/agency/express-web-desk/|access-date=7 June 2017|agency=EXPRESS WEB DESK|issue=24 May 2017|newspaper=Indian Express|date=2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607030130/http://indianexpress.com/agency/express-web-desk/|archive-date=7 June 2017}}</ref> Misa was officially charged by ED in disproportionate assets case on the same day her father was convicted again in the second fodder scam.<ref name=misha4>[http://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/13160-lalu-convicted-again-on-corruption-charges.html Lalu Convicted Again on Corruption Charges] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101511/http://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/13160-lalu-convicted-again-on-corruption-charges.html |date=24 December 2017 }}, Patna Daily, 23 Dec 2017.</ref> After the CBI lodged an FIR on 5 July 2017, ED filed the Case Information Report (ECIR) on 27 July 2017 against Lalu, his wife Rabri, their younger son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and others in the railways tender corruption and [[Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988|ill-gotten property]] scam that happened during Lalu's tenure as the Railway Minister.<ref name=ChorFamily1 /> Taking action against this scam, ED of [[Income Tax Department]] on 12 September 2017 [[Attachment (law)|attached]] more than 12 properties in Patna and Delhi including the plot for the mall in Patna, a farm house in Delhi and up-market land in [[New Friends Colony|Palam Vihar]] in Delhi.<ref name=ChorFamily1 /> This includes the transfer of INR450 million (45 crore) Seguna mor [[Embezzlement|benami]] property transferred to Lalu's wife Rabri Devi and children Tejashwi Yadav and [[Tej Pratap Yadav]] by using a [[Shell corporation|shell company]] named Delight Properties, which was later renamed as Lara Properties.<ref name=ChorCaught2/> (Updated: 7 Jan 2018)
==== 2017 AB Exports cases ====
AB Exports was a [[Shell corporation|shell company]] used to transfer, as a bribe for the railway tender scam, INR400 million (40 crore) [[Embezzlement|benami]] property for a mere price of INR400,000 to Lalu's 3 children Tejashwi Yadav, Ragini Yadav and Chanda Singh.<ref name=ChorCaught1/> ED has attached this property and booked the 3 accused children of Lalu.<ref name=ChorCaught1/> (Updated: 7 Jan 2018)
====2017 Patna zoo soil scam====

2017 Patna zoo soil scam is an allegation/case against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his sons Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav for the "gross irregularities" of selling soil from the construction of Tej Pratap's Saguna Mor mall basement. The bogus beautification scheme was for Rs 90 lakh to [[Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan|Patna zoo]] without inviting any tenders when Tej Pratap was the minister of environment and forest in Bihar, a department that controls the zoo. The scam came to the light in April 2017, a [[Public interest litigation in India|public interest litigation]] (PIL) was filed in [[Patna High Court]] in October 2017, court ordered the Bihar government to furnish the details of investigation, following which the case was handed over to Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) department for the investigation under the Pollution Control Board Act, the Environment Protection Act and Wildlife Protection Act (1972) (update: 6 Jan 2018).<ref name="Source1a">[https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/govt-report-dismisses-patna-zoo-soil-purchase-scam-117042200689_1.html Govt report dismisses Patna zoo soil purchase scam] 22 April 2017, Business Standard, 2017.</ref><ref name=Source1b>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-govt-hands-over-probe-of-soil-scam-involving-lalu-and-tej-pratap-to-vigilance-bureau/story-80yl3LQbeIzmufKlVBeLbJ.html Bihar govt hands over probe of Soil scam involving Lalu and Tej Pratap to vigilance bureau] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233428/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-govt-hands-over-probe-of-soil-scam-involving-lalu-and-tej-pratap-to-vigilance-bureau/story-80yl3LQbeIzmufKlVBeLbJ.html |date=8 January 2018 }}, [[Hindustan Times]], 2017.</ref>

The Bihar government said that official procedure was duly followed in the case and prima facie no evidence of irregularity has come into light in zoo soil deal. (Updated: 31 May 2020)<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2017-04-22|title=Govt report dismisses Patna zoo soil purchase scam|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/govt-report-dismisses-patna-zoo-soil-purchase-scam-117042200689_1.html|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>
===Bail===
Yadav was convicted in the controversial [[Fodder Scam]], and was serving a term until 17 April 2021, when he was granted bail from the [[Jharkhand]] [[High Court]] in the [[Fodder Scam|corruption scandal]].<ref name="Lalu Yadav granted bail: HC"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lalu Yadav Gets Bail In Case Linked To Fodder Scam|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-politician-lalu-yadav-gets-bail-in-case-linked-to-fodder-scam-2415694|access-date=2021-04-17|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
===Criticism===
==== Corruption, nepotism and dynasticism ====
Yadav is one of the first noted politicians to lose parliamentary seat on being arrested in fodder scam as per Supreme Court decision banning convicted legislators to hold their posts.<ref name=bbcfive>{{cite news|last=bbc|title=India corruption: Laloo Prasad Yadav jailed for five years|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24378032|access-date=4 October 2013|newspaper=BBC News India|date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20131004141008/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24378032|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> During his tenure as Chief Minister, Bihar's law and order was at lowest, kidnapping was on rise and private armies mushroomed.<ref name=low>{{cite news|last=Phadnis|first=Aditi|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav: From symbol of hope to ridicule|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/lalu-prasad-yadav-from-symbol-of-hope-to-ridicule-113093000895_1.html|access-date=1 October 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002173442/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/lalu-prasad-yadav-from-symbol-of-hope-to-ridicule-113093000895_1.html|archive-date=2 October 2013}}</ref>
== Writings ==
Lalu Prasad has written his autobiography named ''Gopalganj to Raisina Road''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=How I arrested Advani: Lalu Prasad Yadav|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/culture/books/how-i-arrested-advani-lalu-prasad-yadav/cid/1690038}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
* [[Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav]] (Bollywood), as himself (special appearance)
* Mahua ([[Bhojiwood]])
* Gudri Ke Lal ([[Bhojiwood]])<ref>{{Cite news|title=Did you know Lalu Yadav and these 6 other politicians have acted in films?|work=INUTH|url=https://www.inuth.com/news/did-you-know-lalu-yadav-and-these-6-other-politicians-have-acted-in-films/lite/}}</ref>
==In media==
=== Books ===
*A writer named Neena Jha has written a book on Lalu Prasad named ''Lalu Prasad, India's miracle''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jha|first=Neena|title=Lalu Prasad, India's miracle|publisher=Bismillah: the beginning foundation|year=2008|isbn=978-8190435017}}</ref>
*Book named Laloo'' Prasad Yadav: A Charismatic Leader'' was published in 1996.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Neelkamal|first=Neelam|title=Laloo Prasad Yadav: A Charismatic Leader|publisher=Har-Anand Publications|year=1996}}</ref>
*''"The Making of Laloo Yadav, The Unmaking of Bihar"'', updated and reprinted under the title ''"Subaltern Sahib: Bihar and the Making of Laloo Yadav"'', is a book based on Lalu's life by [[Sankarshan Thakur]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/book-review-of-the-making-of-laloo-yadav/1/244328.html|title=Book review: Sankarshan Thakurs The Making of Laloo Yadav|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301203540/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/book-review-of-the-making-of-laloo-yadav/1/244328.html|archive-date=1 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/the-godmothers-of-bihar/article1-617030.aspx|title=The godmothers of Bihar|date=23 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314024642/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/the-godmothers-of-bihar/article1-617030.aspx|archive-date=14 March 2014}}</ref>
=== Movies ===
* [[Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav]], the [[Bollywood]] movie was released in 2005. It was based on a girl named Padmshree, her boyfriend Laloo, her lawyer Prasad and Yadav was Lalu Prasad himself as a special appearance.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Chaudhry|first=Deeptakriti|title=Bollybook: The Big Book of Hindi Movie Trivia|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2014|isbn=978-9351187998}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Skoda|first=Uwe|title=India and Its Visual Cultures: Community, Class and Gender in a Symbolic Landscape|publisher=SAGE Publishing India|year=2017|isbn=978-9386446695}}</ref>
*Upcoming [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] film ''Lalten'' is a biopic based on the life of Lalu Prasad.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Lalu Prasad Yadav biopic titled 'Lalten'|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/lalu-prasad-yadav-biopic-titled-lalten/article29830659.ece/amp/}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://rjd.co.in/shri-lalu-prasad-yadav.html}}
* {{twitter.com|laluprasadrjd}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chapra]] |years=1977–1980}}
{{s-aft|after= Satya Deo Singh}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chapra]] |years=1989–1991}}
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{{s-bef|before=''Constituency does not exist''}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Saran (Lok Sabha constituency)|Saran]] |years=2009–2013}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]]}}
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| before = [[Nitish Kumar]]
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{{s-ttl
| title = [[Minister of Railways (India)|Minister of Railways]]|
| years = 25 May 2004 – 18 May 2009
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{{s-aft
| after = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
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{{s-bef
| before = [[Jagannath Mishra]]
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{{s-ttl
| title = [[Chief Minister of Bihar]]|
| years = 1990–1997
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{{s-aft
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{{s-end}}
{{Chief Ministers of Bihar}}
{{Railway Ministers of India}}
{{Leaders of Janata Dal}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Yadav, Lalu Prasad}}
[[Category:Criminals from Bihar]]
[[Category:Indian politicians convicted of crimes]]
[[Category:Indian politicians convicted of corruption]]
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[[Category:Indians imprisoned during the Emergency (India)]]
[[Category:V. P. Singh administration]]
[[Category:Yadav family of Bihar|Lalu Prasad]]
[[Category:Indian Hindus]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:Bihari politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly]]