Celebrating 78 Years of Lalu Prasad Yadav: A Journey Through Politics

Lalu Prasad Yadav, the leader of the RJD, is celebrating his 78th birthday today, June 11. For decades, he has been a pivotal figure in both state and national politics, making it challenging to form any political alliances without his involvement. Interestingly, few are aware that his entry into the political arena was quite humble, and he likely never imagined he would play such a significant role in the country's political landscape. Let's explore some intriguing aspects of Lalu Prasad Yadav's life on this special occasion.

Lalu Prasad Yadav was born on June 11, 1948, in the village of Phulwaria in Gopalganj district, Bihar. His early years were filled with struggles, and his primary aspiration was to secure a government job. Despite being active in student politics, he felt uncertain about his future in politics. Before embarking on his political journey, he had dreams of becoming a police constable to ensure a stable life.

His political career began when he became the General Secretary of the Patna University Students' Union. This marked the first step in his political journey, leading to his election as the President of Patna University in 1973. During this time, Jayaprakash Narayan raised his voice against the Emergency, and Lalu Yadav joined the JP movement, which resulted in his imprisonment and marked the rise of his political career. In 1977, he contested elections on a Janata Party ticket and became a Member of Parliament at the age of 29.

In 1990, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue was at its peak, and senior BJP leader L.K. Advani embarked on a Rath Yatra. When Advani reached Bihar, Lalu Yadav was determined to halt the procession. In October, Advani was arrested in Samastipur, Bihar, causing a stir in national politics. The BJP withdrew its support from the central VP Singh government, leading to its downfall. This incident solidified Lalu Yadav's position as a powerful leader.

In March 1990, Lalu Yadav took office as the Chief Minister of Bihar. During his tenure, he implemented three significant decisions, including the removal of taxes on the sale of country liquor. He established around 150 shepherd schools, allowing shepherds to receive education while tending to their livestock. Additionally, he raised the minimum wage for agricultural laborers from ₹16.50 to ₹21.50.

However, Lalu Yadav faced allegations in the fodder scam, leading to his resignation from the Chief Minister's position on July 25, 1997. This marked a turning point in his career, after which Rabri Devi became the next Chief Minister. On July 5, 1997, he founded the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

When Lalu Yadav took charge of the Railway Ministry, his management skills garnered acclaim both nationally and internationally. His effective administration was widely praised, leading to recognition of his capabilities. In 2004, he even taught management principles to students at IIM Ahmedabad.