NDA Intensifies Assault on Lalu Prasad Family After Court Charges in Railway Scam

NDA steps up attack on Lalu and his family

The political temperature in Bihar has soared after a Delhi court formally charged former Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav—along with his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and 38 other accused—in a high-profile corruption case involving the illegal exchange of railway land for government jobs. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U), has seized the moment to launch its sharpest attack yet on the Yadav family, branding their alleged actions as nothing short of a “criminal enterprise.” This legal milestone doesn’t just deepen Lalu’s personal legal woes—it threatens to destabilize the opposition’s unity ahead of crucial state elections.

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The Court Order: What the Charges Mean

In a significant development on January 9, 2026, a special CBI court in Delhi framed charges against 44 individuals—including Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi (former Bihar CM), and son Tejashwi Yadav (current Deputy CM)—under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and abuse of official position .

Framing of charges is a critical legal step—it means the court believes there’s sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted, the accused could face up to 7–10 years in prison. Notably, this is one of the few cases where an entire political family faces joint prosecution in a major corruption scandal.

Details of the Lalu Prasad Railway Scam

The case dates back to Lalu’s tenure as Union Railway Minister (2004–2009) under the UPA-I government. Investigators allege that during this period, prime railway land parcels in cities like Patna, Danapur, and Muzaffarpur were illegally allotted to private entities in exchange for government jobs for relatives and loyalists of RJD leaders.

Key elements of the scam include:

  • Quid Pro Quo Deals: Companies received valuable commercial plots at throwaway prices in return for hiring specific candidates recommended by the Yadav family.
  • Falsified Records: Job applications were allegedly backdated, and eligibility criteria were manipulated to favor nominees.
  • Shell Entities: Several beneficiary firms had no prior business history, suggesting they were created solely for this scheme.

The CBI claims the scam caused a loss of over ₹100 crore to the exchequer and compromised the integrity of public recruitment.

NDA Political Offensive: ‘Criminal Enterprise’ Allegations

Within hours of the court order, senior NDA leaders launched a coordinated media blitz. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra called the Yadav household a “dynastic criminal syndicate,” while JD(U) leader Samrat Choudhary stated, “Bihar cannot be held hostage by a family that treats public office as personal property.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though not naming Lalu directly, referenced the case in a rally in Gaya, saying, “When justice knocks, no dynasty is too big to answer.” The NDA is clearly using the verdict to reinforce its anti-corruption narrative ahead of the 2027 Bihar Assembly elections.

RJD Response: Denial and Defiance

The RJD has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. “This is vendetta politics,” said Tejashwi Yadav in a press conference. “We’ve cooperated fully with the investigation. The truth will prevail in court.”

Lalu Prasad, currently undergoing medical treatment in Delhi, released a statement through his lawyers asserting his innocence and accusing the BJP of weaponizing investigative agencies. The party has also sought to frame the case as part of a broader assault on opposition voices nationwide.

While Lalu has faced multiple convictions in the past (including in the fodder scam), this is the first time his immediate family members are formally charged in a corruption case. For Tejashwi, who is seen as the RJD’s future face, the trial poses a serious reputational and electoral risk.

Under the Representation of the People Act, a conviction with a 2+ year sentence would disqualify him from holding office. However, since the trial is expected to last several years—and appeals are likely—the immediate impact on his deputy CM role may be limited unless public sentiment shifts dramatically.

Impact on Bihar Politics and Opposition Alliance

Bihar’s current ruling coalition—comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties—is already fragile. The scandal could strain ties, especially if Congress leaders distance themselves to protect their own image. Meanwhile, the NDA hopes to capitalize on urban voter disillusionment with dynastic politics.

Political analyst Dr. Sanjay Kumar notes, “The real test isn’t just the courtroom—it’s whether the ‘Lalu legacy’ still resonates with the youth and aspirational voters in 2027.” With unemployment and governance dominating discourse, the scam could become a potent campaign issue for the BJP-JD(U) alliance.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Bihar’s Political Drama

The Lalu Prasad railway scam has moved from allegation to formal prosecution—a development that reshapes Bihar’s political landscape. While the Yadavs remain defiant, the NDA’s framing of the case as systemic corruption within a political dynasty could erode their traditional support base. As the trial unfolds, all eyes will be on whether justice delivers a verdict—or whether politics once again blurs the lines between law and power. For deeper insights into Bihar’s electoral dynamics, explore our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:bihar-elections-2027-key-battlegrounds].

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