Jungle Raj by Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar
The coinage Jungle Raj, perhaps first used by the Patna high court in 1997, remains a powerful political slogan in Bihar’s politics even today. It refers to a period of 1990s–early 2000s, when Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi ruled the state. Lalu Yadav certainly showed desperate attempt to end the upper-class dominated ruling in Bihar.
Jungle Raj may remain as a politically charged phrase in election debate. But undoubtedly, Lalu Prasad Yadav had been able to bring about a revolutionary change in Bihar’s politics. Prior to Lalu’s regime, Bihar had witnessed a political instability for quiet long period.
1990: Beginning of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure
Shri Krishna Sinha, was the last Chief Minister who ruled Bihar for a long fifteen years until death in 1961. Patna could watch numerous short-lived governments and several presidential rules till 1990, the year, when Lalu Prasad Yadav sworn in. The oppositions allege Jungle Raj symbolizes lawlessness, criminalization of politics, and weak governance.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, the disciple of Jayprakash Narayan, had ever remained as a strict ideologist. He has always upheld the backward class in Bihar politics.
His certain decision of governance had received accolades from all corners. He used to visit schools and offices suddenly. He also used to take his cabinet to the rural places for a better connection with the remote people.
His way of voicing displeasures over bureaucrats’ work and issuing directives in public raised eyebrows of many. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee is following Lalu’s path for decentralized administration.
Lalu’s Focus on Bihar Women in Jungle Raj
Lalu has significantly emphasized on basic hygiene and the dignity of women and the poor. He had taken the risk to implement Paid Menstrual Leave in 1992 in Government offices, when most other state didn’t even think about it.
In contrast, the most progressive south Indian states like Kerala started only for students in 2023, Karnataka just in October 2025. However, his constant effort for social justice and empowerment of backward classes certainly hurt the conservative upper castes.
The term Jungle Raj, politically charged phrase, is used to characterize the conditions in Bihar and the prevailing lawlessness at the time.
Jungle Raj vs. Sushasan
A strong nexus between powerful criminals, politicians and government officials certainly leads to one sort of anarchy. The reminiscent, we can find in today’s West Bengal also. If Jungle Raj is used to defame the creditability of Lalu Yadav, nobody can claim a good Governance in the regime of Nitish Kumar.
If fodder scam can be levelled as state-sponsored anarchy, what does Srijan scam point to? Rather Nitish Kumar, has received the label of The Flip-Flopper or Paltu Ram for his desperation to retain Chief Ministerial chair.One who prioritizes saving his chair through political arithmetic can hardly ensure the state’s progress.
We can’t forget that Lalu Prasad Yadav had started the work of social engineering, which is echoed by Prashant Kishor in a different shape.
2025 is going to watch the end of an era of the assertion of Backward class as a fraud legacy of Mandalized politics of 35 years in Bihar.
End of an era
Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, the aptly titled politicians are at the fag end of their political career.
Lalu Prasad remains preoccupied with frequent travel between his home and the hospital, while widespread political speculation continues to surround Nitish Kumar’s mental and physical well-being.
He is no position even for a campaign and only work as a background advisor. Nitish is still struggling with his imbalances and perhaps racing for the one more term Chief Minister’s chair.
2025 Bihar Election
The moment Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, or J.P. Nadda mention “Jungle Raj” in Bihar, they validate the enduring political significance of Lalu Prasad Yadav in the public discourse. Prashant Kishor may call Tejashwi Yadav as a potted plant, but he has proven his credibility during his two small tenures as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Moreover, still there exists a large segment, who revere Lalu Prasad Yadav as Savior of the poor and backward community. Tejashwi will leave no stone unturned to leverage his father’s charismatic figure.
The default anti-incumbency factor of prolonged ruling and label of opportunist politics with frequent hopping will be a misery for Nitish Kumar. SIR and emergence of Prashant Kishore have made the assembly election of Bihar further complicated.
It is ultimately the people, who will decide who will emerge triumphant at the end.