"You may like him, you may hate him, BUT you can not ignore
him", this specialty makes him different from all other
politicians. One of India's most colourful politicians, Mr Yadav
is known for his quirky style, making the most of his humble
origins and mass appeal. Constantly in the news for all kinds of
reasons, his is a well recognised face all over the country; his
peculiarities making him the favorite
bakra of talk shows and
mimicry artistes.
Born in 1948 at Phulwaria, in Gopalganj district in Bihar, Yadav
was elected to the sixth Lok Sabha at the early age of 29 years
in 1977. In 1989, he became the leader of the opposition after
being in the Bihar Legislative Assembly for two terms before
becoming Chief Minister of Bihar in 1990, a post he held till
1997, when he was forced to resign on widespread corruption
charges. Handing over the reins of the state to his wife, he
served prison sentences before being re-elected to the 12th Lok
Sabha for a third term.
He has a degree in law and his interests vary from reading
revolutionary books to writing articles on politics and
debating. But his real passion seems to be surviving in
politics, a skill he has mastered like few others. Critics point
to the worsening socio-political scenario of Bihar while he and
his wife have governed the state, but he has his legions of
admirers, who are ready to die for him.
Laloo displayed an early interest in politics through his
involvement in elections to the Patna University students union.
He was also involved with the student movement led by Jai
Prakash Narayan in the 1970s. A canny political operator,
Laloo's path to power was catalyzed by the strategic alliance he
forged between the poor Yadav caste and the Muslims.
Laloo's long innings in politics including many years as Chief
Minister of Bihar has not made a significant dent in the lives
of the poor in Bihar. Social and economic justice for the poor
in Bihar, as in most states of India, is still a mirage. "Swarg
nahin diya, lekin swar to diya." (I did not give them heaven,
but I did give them voice.) is an oft-quoted statement of Laloo
in a reference to the status of the poorer sections of society
in Bihar.
Although ridiculed and parodied by the media and the middle
class for his rustic manner of speaking, Laloo has demonstrated
his wily political skills over the last two decades.
Date of Birth: 1948
FAMILY:
Wife: Rabri Devi, chief minister of Bihar
Children: Has nine children, the eldest being Misa Bharati.
MILESTONES:
1977: Elected to the sixth Lok Sabha elections.
1989: Leader of the opposition after being in the Bihar
Legislative Assembly for two terms.
1990-97: Chief Minister of the Bihar.
1997-2005: Rules Bihar through his wife, Rabri Devi
2004: Gets a cabinet post as Minister of Railways.
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