The 2025 Bihar elections presented a remarkable political paradox: Lalu Prasad Yadav was nowhere on the ballot, yet his presence dominated every aspect of the campaign and final outcome. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), now led by his son Tejashwi Yadav, delivered one of its worst performances, leading in just 25 seats as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cruised toward a clean sweep.
The Ghost of Jungle Raj Returns to Haunt RJD
Throughout the intense election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar repeatedly invoked the era of Lalu Prasad Yadav's rule in the 1990s, warning voters that a Mahagathbandhan government would drag Bihar back into what they termed as "dark days" of lawlessness and administrative collapse. The period between 1990 and 2005 remains deeply etched in Bihar's collective memory as a time when kidnappings, extortion, and caste-based violence surged while governance eroded and infrastructure crumbled.
The infamous fodder scam further cemented Lalu's reputation for systemic corruption, creating a powerful cautionary tale that resonated strongly with younger, aspirational voters seeking stability and development. For this demographic, the shadow of jungle raj proved decisive in their voting preferences.
Tejashwi Yadav's Inheritance: Legacy and Burden
Tejashwi Yadav found himself grappling with a complex inheritance from his father. While he benefited from Lalu's established Muslim-Yadav vote bank and legacy of social justice, he simultaneously bore the burden of his father's controversial past. Despite his attempts to project a governance-focused message, Tejashwi struggled to convincingly distance himself from the negative connotations of the jungle raj era.
This ambiguity diluted his appeal among voters who remained uncertain whether he represented a break from chaotic patterns or a continuation of old practices. Internal friction within the RJD, including his elder brother Tej Pratap's separate political front, further complicated Tejashwi's task by risking fragmentation of the crucial Yadav vote.
The Enduring Relevance of Lalu Prasad Yadav
What makes Lalu's political survival extraordinary is how both major alliances continue to need him. The RJD invokes him to consolidate backward caste and minority votes, while the NDA uses his legacy as a warning against returning to lawlessness. The iconic political slogan "Jab tak rahega samose mein aalu, tab tak rahega Bihar mein Lalu" continues to resonate across rallies, posters, and social media, underscoring his cultural significance beyond mere politics.
Even with fragile health and ongoing legal battles keeping him away from active campaigning, Lalu Prasad Yadav remains the pivot around which Bihar's political narrative revolves. The 2025 election verdict confirms that whether loved by supporters or feared by critics, Lalu cannot be ignored in Bihar's political theater.
