Lalu Yadav’s legal troubles are likely to be a key talking point, but they are unlikely to single-handedly determine the electoral fortunes of the party, RJD will also cry political witch-hunting, say observers
A Delhi Court on Monday framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, their son and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and others in connection with alleged corruption in the allotment of maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri. All accused face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, with Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav specifically charged under Sections 420 and 120B for cheating and conspiracy, according to reports.
Lalu Yadav reportedly pleaded not guilty and said he would face the trial. The accused appeared in person before Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who pronounced the order on October 13, following a September 24 directive requiring all 14 accused to be present.
The case relates to alleged irregularities during Lalu’s tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. The CBI claims that maintenance contracts for IRCTC’s BNR hotels in Ranchi and Puri were improperly awarded to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar, and alleges that Lalu Yadav received three acres of prime land through a benami company in return. The agency had lodged an FIR in July 2017 and conducted raids at multiple locations linked to Lalu and his family.
Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh, representing the CBI, reportedly called it clear evidence of corruption and conspiracy, while Lalu Yadav’s defense maintained that there was insufficient material to frame charges and sought his discharge.
With the Bihar assembly elections around the corner, this legal development has significant political ramifications for the RJD with rivals BJP and JD (U) making the most of it. However, the party’s core voter base, particularly among Yadavs and Muslims, are expected to continue to support the Yadav family due to long-standing loyalty, viewing the charges as politically motivated. This could generate a sympathy wave for the RJD.
But the case does provide political ammo to BJP and JD(U), to question the RJD’s governance record and highlight alleged corruption, potentially influencing swing voters and urban constituencies. The RJD may now have to pull extra to defending its leaders’ image, possibly affecting its ability to campaign effectively on development and local issues. Coalition dynamics could also be impacted, as allies weigh individual risks.
However, while the framing of charges is a reputational challenge, the outcome of Bihar’s elections will hinge on multiple factors—caste dynamics, local development concerns, and the RJD’s ability to manage the narrative. “Lalu Yadav’s legal troubles are likely to be a key talking point, but they are unlikely to single-handedly determine the electoral fortunes of the party,” say observers
