From youth leader to Bihar CM: As Tejashwi takes over RJD's reign, a look back at Lalu Prasad Yadav's political journey- in pics

Lalu Prasad Yadav was born on 11 June 1948 in Phulwaria, Gopalganj, Bihar. He came from a farming family and completed his early schooling in the village. His formative years laid the foundation for his future political career. (Photo Credits: X/@laluprasadrjd)

Lalu entered politics through Patna University, becoming general secretary and later president of the Students’ Union. He actively joined Jayaprakash Narayan’s Bihar Movement in 1974. His leadership during student protests marked the start of his political journey. (Photo Credits: RJD website)

In 1977, Lalu won the Lok Sabha election from Chapra at the age of 29, becoming the youngest MP. He represented the Janata Party and entered national politics. This victory brought him into the political limelight. (Photo Credits: File photo/Agencies)

Lalu became chief minister of Bihar in 1990 after Janata Dal formed the state government. His party promised focus on backward caste upliftment, social justice, and pro-poor policies. His tenure was praised for inclusivity but criticized for governance issues. (Photo Credits: RJD website)

In 1990, Lalu arrested BJP leader L.K. Advani during the Ram Rath Yatra at Samastipur. The move asserted his political authority in Bihar. It made him a nationally recognized leader. (Photo Credits: RJD website)

In 1997, Lalu formed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after leaving Janata Dal amid Fodder Scam allegations. The party became a key force in Bihar and national politics. Lalu emerged as a leader of backward castes and minority communities.(Photo Credits: RJD website)

Lalu served as Union Minister for Railways from 2004 to 2009 under UPA I. He claimed to make Indian Railways profitable without raising fares, earning international attention. The turnaround became a case study at Harvard and other institutions. (Photo Credits: PIB, Government of India)

RJD performed poorly in the 2005 and 2010 Bihar Assembly elections. Lalu faced legal challenges, including convictions in the Fodder Scam. Lalu Yadav was convicted in multiple cases involving fraudulent withdrawals from government treasuries, he was jailed several times between 1997 and 2022. Later probes, including the Land-for-Jobs, Delight Properties, AB Exports, and Patna Zoo Soil scams. (Photo credit: PTI)

Lalu prasad Yadav’s wife, Rabri Devi, became Bihar CM in 2000, keeping RJD in power during his legal troubles. This strategic move allowed him to continue influencing state politics. The RJD remained in power until 2005 with brief interruptions. (Photo Credits: ANI)

Despite controversies, he remained a prominent opposition leader and political mentor to his son, Tejashwi Yadav. In 2015, RJD became the largest party in Bihar and joined the Grand Alliance government. Lalu retained significant influence in state politics despite later alliance shifts. (Photo Credits: RJD website)