Lalu Yadav Biography: Politics, Education, Family, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Age

Lalu Prasad Yadav — popularly known as Lalu Yadav — is one of India’s most talked-about regional leaders.

Known for his earthy oratory, political shrewdness, and a polarizing mix of charisma and controversy, Lalu rose from a rural background to become Chief Minister of Bihar and later the founder and long-time president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

His career has been marked by social justice advocacy, mass appeal among marginalized communities, dramatic political ascents, and high-profile legal battles.

Early life and education

Lalu Prasad Yadav was born on 11 June 1948 in Phulwaria village in Gopalganj district, Bihar. He was born into a rural family; his parents were Kundan Rai and Marachhiya Devi. As a young man he moved to Patna for higher education and later earned degrees that included law, which provided him a formal grounding useful in his political life. His humble beginnings and local connect helped shape his political identity as a voice for the rural poor.

Entry into politics and rise

Lalu began political activity in the late 1960s and 1970s — a turbulent period in Indian politics that included the Emergency years (1975–77). He gained visibility in student and state-level politics before being elected to Parliament and then to the Bihar state assembly. Over the 1980s and early 1990s he consolidated his base among Yadavs and other backward classes, positioning himself as a champion of social justice and assertive regional leadership.

Chief Minister of Bihar (1990–1997)

Lalu became Chief Minister of Bihar in 1990 and dominated the state’s politics through the decade. His tenure is remembered for fiercely defending the rights of backward castes and using a populist, grassroots style of politics. At the same time, critics complained about administrative decline, law-and-order issues, and economic stagnation during his tenure. His time as CM ended amid corruption allegations that later resulted in multiple legal cases.

Formation of RJD and national role

In 1997 Lalu founded the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after breaking from the Janata Dal; RJD became the principal vehicle for his politics and for Yadav-backward class mobilization in Bihar. He later served in national politics as well, including a stint as India’s Railway Minister, which was widely watched and discussed.

The fodder scam and convictions

One of the most consequential episodes of Lalu’s career has been his involvement in the fodder scam, a series of cases involving the embezzlement of government funds in Bihar. Multiple cases and court proceedings spanned decades; Lalu was convicted in several of these and received prison sentences in multiple judgments. These convictions had major political and personal consequences and reshaped public perceptions of his legacy.

Family and personal life

Lalu is married to Rabri Devi, who herself became a significant political figure and served as Bihar’s Chief Minister after Lalu stepped down amid the fodder scandal. The couple has several children, including two politically active sons — Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav — and daughter Misa Bharti, who has been involved in national politics. The family features multiple politicians and connections across regional political networks.

Political style and legacy

Lalu’s style is defined by plainspoken rhetoric, humour, and mass appeal. He is widely credited with galvanizing lower-caste and backward-class politics in Bihar, reshaping the state’s social justice discourse. Yet his legacy is contested: supporters praise his role in democratizing access and representation, while critics point to allegations of corruption and governance deficits during his rule.

Recent years

In recent years Lalu has continued to influence state politics through the RJD even as legal and health issues limited his direct public activity. His family remains politically active — especially his younger son Tejashwi, who is viewed as the RJD’s next-generation leader. News outlets continue to cover Lalu’s statements, family events, and legal developments.

FAQs

When was Lalu Yadav born?

He was born on 11 June 1948 in Phulwaria, Gopalganj district, Bihar.

What political party did Lalu start?

He founded the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 1997.

Was Lalu Prasad Yadav ever Chief Minister of Bihar?

Yes — from 1990 to 1997.

What is the fodder scam?

The fodder scam involved fraudulent withdrawals related to non-existent animal husbandry expenses; Lalu was convicted in several related cases.

Who in Lalu’s family is active in politics?

His wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, and daughter Misa Bharti are politically active.

Is Lalu still active politically?

He remains a symbolic and organizational figure for the RJD, though his family now handles much of the day-to-day political activity.

Conclusion

Lalu Prasad Yadav’s life is a study in contradictions: a charismatic defender of social justice and representation who also became embroiled in major corruption cases; a grassroots mass leader whose era is debated for both political awakening and administrative shortcomings. Whether admired or criticized, his influence on Bihar’s political map is undeniable — and his story remains central to understanding regional politics in modern India.