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Delhi court frames charges against Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi Yadav in IRCTC hotel case- just before Bihar elections. Will corruption allegations derail RJD’s poll prospects, or can Tejashwi’s development promises save the party? Political storm brewing.
Lalu and family pleaded not guilty.
New Delhi: In a major development ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a Delhi court has framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav. The charges include corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating related to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Lalu’s tenure as Railway Minister (2004–2009).
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges that the Yadav family manipulated the tendering process and secured prime land in Patna through a benami company in exchange for granting these contracts. Lalu along with family have pleaded not guilty and vowed to face trial in court.
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The framing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family comes just weeks before the Bihar Assembly elections, making it a high-profile development. While it does not determine the election outcome, the case is likely to influence public perception and become a key talking point among political parties and voters.
Analysts suggest that opposition parties may use the verdict to question the credibility of RJD leaders, while supporters of Lalu may frame it as a legal hurdle amid a politically charged environment. The development adds a new layer of complexity to the electoral narrative in Bihar.
The RJD leadership maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
As the RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, positions itself as a key contender against the ruling alliances, the timing of the court decision is expected to influence public perception. Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, are likely to use this legal development to question the integrity of the RJD leadership and mobilize voters disillusioned with corruption.
The case’s timing could also affect undecided voters who may weigh allegations of corruption heavily in their decision-making. Analysts suggest that legal troubles surrounding prominent leaders often become talking points in election campaigns, shaping narratives around governance and accountability.
Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, has been campaigning aggressively on promises of economic development and job creation. He has repeatedly emphasized reducing unemployment and boosting opportunities for youth in Bihar. While his core voter base remains supportive, the court’s action could create challenges in winning over swing voters who are sensitive to allegations of financial misconduct.
The RJD leadership maintains that the charges are politically motivated. Lalu Yadav has asserted that the family will defend itself in court, hoping to frame the narrative as an attack on the party rather than a reflection of wrongdoing.
Lalu family hit by corruption charges ahead of Bihar elections under these sections
Election strategists suggest that while the charges may create short-term distractions, RJD’s long-standing influence in Bihar and Tejashwi’s focus on developmental issues could mitigate some damage. Nevertheless, opposition parties are expected to aggressively highlight the case to sway undecided voters.
As legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could play a pivotal role in shaping voter behavior and electoral dynamics in Bihar, making the next few months critical for both the RJD and its rivals.
