Lalu Family, Legacy of Scandals, Bihar’s Long Wait for Closure
Poonam Sharma
In Bihar’s political history, few names have been as persistently linked with words like “scam,” “bail,” “hearing,” and “adjournment” as that of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. Over decades, the Lalu family has ceased to be merely a political entity—it has become a prolonged legal and moral question, awaiting an answer that the people of Bihar have sought for years.
Justice Delayed, Again and Again
Time and again, court proceedings have reached critical stages, only to be stalled due to missing documents, investigative failures, or procedural lapses. In previous hearings, even central agencies failed to present complete evidence, compelling courts to ask a fundamental question: how can justice be delivered without proper material on record?This is not merely a judicial concern—it is an institutional one.
Power, Opportunity, and a Repeating Pattern
Whether as Chief Minister or Union Railway Minister, each position of power coincided with fresh allegations. From the fodder scam to land-for-jobs cases, from benami properties to hotels and shell assets, the accusations form a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
The larger question remains unresolved: was political power exercised for public welfare or for building a private empire?
The Economic Cost to Bihar
Closed sugar mills, stalled industries, lost livelihoods—these are not abstract numbers. Assets locked behind iron gates could have powered schools, training centers, and employment hubs. Today, when the new administration speaks of repurposing these abandoned assets for public use, the contrast is stark. What did Bihar lose during these decades?
Law, Compassion, and Selective Relief
Repeated relief on grounds of health, age, and circumstance has triggered a deeper ethical debate. Ordinary citizens ask uncomfortable questions: would a common man receive the same consideration? Is the law equally compassionate—or selectively flexible?
Family Politics and Generational Allegations
When spouses and children repeatedly feature in investigations, the issue transcends individual culpability. It raises concerns about a political culture where power becomes hereditary and accountability an inconvenience. This is not about political rivalry—it is about institutional credibility.
The People’s Expectation
Bihar’s citizens are not demanding vengeance. They are demanding clarity. Whether the verdict convicts or acquits is secondary to the need for a final, reasoned, and transparent decision. If a verdict is indeed imminent, it will not merely judge one family. It will test Bihar’s political morality, the credibility of investigative institutions, and the promise of equality before law.
Because justice delayed does not only deny closure—it erodes faith.
