Lalu Prasad Yadav: Difference between revisions

| website            = https://rjd.co.in/shri-lalu-prasad/

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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>

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 ===

===Chronology of political career===

* 1977: Elected to the 6th Lok Sabha at the age of 29 from [[Chapra (Lok Sabha constituency)]].

* 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.]]

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===

==== 1996 Fodder Scam – 1st case ====

{{main|Fodder scam}}

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 ====

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, 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"/>

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 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 ====

== 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}}

* {{Official website|http://rjd.co.in/shri-lalu-prasad-yadav.html}}

* {{twitter.com|laluprasadrjd}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-par|in-lwr}}

{{Leaders of Janata Dal}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yadav, Lalu Prasad}}

[[Category:Criminals from Bihar]]