Lalu Prasad Yadav is an Indian politician and a prominent figure in the political landscape of Bihar. Known for his charismatic personality and grassroots appeal, he has played a significant role in shaping the politics of the state. Lalu Prasad Yadav has been the Chief Minister of Bihar and a Union Minister, and he is the founder of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Lalu Prasad Yadav was born on June 11, 1948, in Phulwaria, a small village in the Gopalganj district of Bihar, India.
- Family Background: He was born into a family of poor farmers. His father, Kundan Rai, was a farmer, and his mother, Marachhiya Devi, was a homemaker.
- Education: Despite economic hardships, Lalu pursued education and completed his Bachelor of Laws and Master of Arts degrees from Patna University. During his university days, he became actively involved in student politics, which laid the foundation for his future political career.
Political Career
Early Political Involvement
- Student Politics: Lalu Prasad Yadav started his political journey in student politics and became the President of the Patna University Students' Union in 1973. He was actively involved in the student movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan during the 1970s.
- Janata Party: He joined the Janata Party in 1977 and was elected to the 6th Lok Sabha (lower house of India's Parliament) from the Chapra constituency. His early political career was marked by his strong opposition to the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Chief Minister of Bihar
- First Term: Lalu Prasad Yadav became the Chief Minister of Bihar in 1990. His tenure was characterized by significant political changes and a focus on social justice and empowerment of marginalized communities. He championed the cause of backward classes and minorities.
- Second Term: He was re-elected in 1995, but his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The infamous "Fodder Scam" emerged during his time as Chief Minister, leading to significant legal troubles.
Founder of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
- Formation of RJD: In 1997, amid increasing legal and political challenges, Lalu Prasad Yadav formed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after breaking away from the Janata Dal. The RJD has since been a key political force in Bihar.
- Leadership: Lalu continued to exert considerable influence in Bihar politics through his party, focusing on issues of social justice and advocating for the rights of backward classes and minorities.
Union Minister
- Minister of Railways: Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the Minister of Railways from 2004 to 2009 in the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. During his tenure, he was credited with turning around the financial fortunes of Indian Railways, transforming it from a loss-making entity to a profit-generating enterprise. His management style and reforms received widespread attention and praise, both domestically and internationally.
Legal Troubles and Controversies
- Fodder Scam: The Fodder Scam, involving the embezzlement of funds intended for cattle fodder in Bihar, led to significant legal issues for Lalu Prasad Yadav. He was convicted in multiple cases related to the scam, resulting in imprisonment and disqualification from holding political office.
- Legal Battles: Despite his legal troubles, Lalu remained a significant political figure, with his family continuing to play a prominent role in Bihar politics. His son, Tejashwi Yadav, has emerged as a key leader of the RJD.
Personal Life
- Marriage and Family: Lalu Prasad Yadav is married to Rabri Devi, who also served as the Chief Minister of Bihar. The couple has nine children, and several of their children are active in politics. Tejashwi Yadav, their son, is a prominent political leader and has served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.
Legacy and Impact
- Champion of Social Justice: Lalu Prasad Yadav is often hailed as a champion of social justice, particularly for his efforts to uplift the backward classes and marginalized communities in Bihar.
- Political Influence: Despite his legal challenges, he remains an influential figure in Indian politics, known for his rustic charm, wit, and strong connection with the masses.
- Controversial Figure: His career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies, making him a polarizing figure in Indian politics.
Further Reading and References:
- "Lalu Prasad Yadav: The Making of a Social Justice Leader" by Sankarshan Thakur.
- "Gopalganj to Raisina: My Political Journey" by Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s life and career reflect the complex interplay of politics, social justice, and personal challenges in modern India. His legacy continues to shape the political landscape of Bihar and influence national discourse on social justice and governance.
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