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The 2024 Bihar election results have reignited debates about Lalu Prasad Yadav’s lasting impact on the state’s politics. Despite the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) falling short of a majority, it emerged as the single-largest party, proving that Lalu’s legacy—often tied to the contentious “Jungle Raj” era—still casts a long shadow. But how did a leader sidelined by legal troubles shape an election he didn’t contest?
The Lingering Specter of Lalu Yadav
Lalu Yadav, Bihar’s chief minister from 1990 to 2005, remains a polarizing yet pivotal figure. His tenure was marked by social empowerment for backward castes but also allegations of corruption and weak governance, leading critics to dub his rule “Jungle Raj.”
In 2024, despite his absence from active campaigning, Lalu’s influence was unmistakable. His son, Tejashwi Yadav, led the RJD’s charge, but the campaign revolved around Lalu’s legacy—from voter mobilization to opposition rhetoric.
Caste Calculus: The RJD’s Unshaken Base
The BJP-JD(U) alliance’s aggressive push couldn’t dismantle the RJD’s core support among Yadavs and Muslims. The party’s focus on social justice and resistance to “upper-caste dominance” mirrored Lalu’s playbook. For many, identity trumped governance concerns, as voters feared a return to pre-Mandal politics.
While the BJP invoked “Jungle Raj” warnings, Lalu’s era symbolized empowerment for Bihar’s marginalized. This emotional connection outweighed critiques of his administration’s failures.
Tejashwi Yadav: Carrying Lalu’s Legacy Forward
Tejashwi Yadav attempted to modernize the RJD’s image with promises of jobs and development. Yet, his campaign leaned heavily on Lalu’s grassroots network. RJD rallies featured Lalu’s posters, speeches invoked his name, and loyalists still viewed him as the backward classes’ champion.
Ironically, Tejashwi’s push for change was overshadowed by his father’s legacy, reinforcing Lalu’s centrality in Bihar’s politics.
The BJP’s Fear of a Lalu Revival
The BJP-JD(U) alliance’s heavy investment in countering the RJD revealed their unease with Lalu’s enduring appeal. Their campaign contrasted Nitish Kumar’s “Vikas Purush” image with Lalu’s “Jungle Raj,” but the strategy’s effectiveness waned in 2024.
The RJD’s resilience suggests Lalu’s Mandal politics isn’t fading. Despite Nitish’s infrastructure gains, unemployment and rural distress kept Lalu’s social justice narrative alive.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
The 2024 Bihar elections confirmed Lalu Yadav’s indelible mark. His ability to unite backward castes ensures the RJD’s relevance, and the BJP’s struggle to erode his base underscores caste’s enduring role in Bihar.
The “Jungle Raj” debate persists—both a weapon for critics and a rallying cry for supporters. As long as caste shapes Bihar’s politics, Lalu’s ghost will loom over its elections.
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