Lalu Prasad Yadav
| |
| Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2018 | |
| Born | 11 June 1948 Phulwaria, Gopalganj district, Bihar, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.A. (Political Science), LL.B. |
| Alma mater | Patna University |
| Occupation | Politician, Former Advocate |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Mandal Commission implementation, Social justice politics, Railway reforms |
| Notable works | Popularising backward class politics in Bihar; modernizing Indian Railways (2004–09) |
| Awards | TIME Magazine recognition for Indian Railways (2008), Honorary Doctorate (BAU) |
| Spouse(s) | Rabri Devi (m. 1973) |
| Children | 9 (including Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti) |
| Parents | Kundan Rai (father), Marachhiya Devi (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | Official RJD Website |
Lalu Prasad Yadav (born 11 June 1948) is a veteran Indian politician, former Chief Minister of Bihar, and ex-Railway Minister of India. He is the founder and president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and a major figure in the social justice movement rooted in Lohiaite ideology.[1]
Early Life and Education
Lalu was born into a Hindu Yadav family in Phulwaria village, Gopalganj district, Bihar. His father, **Kundan Rai**, was a farmer, and his mother, **Marachhiya Devi**, was a homemaker. He completed his B.A. in Political Science and LLB from Patna University, where he emerged as a student leader and was elected president of the student union in 1970.[2]
Political Career
He entered politics through the JP Movement and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1977 at age 29. Lalu served as Chief Minister of Bihar from 1990 to 1997, championing the cause of the backward and marginalized classes.[3]
As Railway Minister of India (2004–2009), he earned international acclaim for turning Indian Railways profitable. His innovative reforms were even studied at institutions like Harvard and Wharton.[4]
Legal Issues
Lalu’s career was affected by the **Fodder Scam**, in which he was convicted and imprisoned. He is currently barred from contesting elections.[5]
Personal Life
He married Rabri Devi in 1973. She later became Bihar’s first woman Chief Minister. They have nine children, including Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, and Misa Bharti, Rajya Sabha MP.
Legacy
Lalu is credited with:
- Empowering OBCs and Dalits
- Bringing rural dialect and humor to mainstream politics
- Being a symbol of Mandal-era backward caste assertion
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lalu-Prasad-Yadav
- ↑ https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/lalu-prasad-yadav-biography-fooder-scam-4415246/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41689188
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/2008/07/02/lalu-prasad-india-oped-cx_ak_0702krishna.html
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lalu-prasad-convicted-in-fodder-scam-case/article22315216.ece