‘BABA, I WISH TO BE A LEADER LIKE RAM LAKHAN SINGH YADAV’

‘BABA, I WISH TO BE A LEADER LIKE RAM LAKHAN SINGH YADAV’

20-NOV-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------Lalu Prasad Yadav's rise in the Bihar movement and subsequent political landscape was an extraordinary event. Many figures emerged during this period who worked closely with Lalu, but some of his friends also harbored feelings of jealousy. This jealousy was so deep that, long after Lalu Prasad Yadav came to power, a scandal case was filed against him, resulting in significant disgrace.

This was not a typical personal dispute; rather, it was part of the political landscape where ambition and the desire for power often trump personal relationships. Shivanand Tiwari, the son of a minister, also wanted to establish his own identity in the political arena, and was perhaps uncomfortable with Lalu's growing stature. Lalu Yadav, tempered in the fires of the movement, had established a strong foothold among the common people, which perhaps irritated Tiwari.

However, politics has its own unique tricks. Despite personal differences, Lalu Prasad Yadav demonstrated his unique style of practicing "friendship." He He not only made him an MLA but also gave him a ministerial position. This was a symbol of Lalu's political acumen, where he was adept at bringing together, or at least appeasing, even his opponents.

This friendship and political alliance continued until the 2025 assembly elections. Lalu Prasad Yadav's party gave Rahul Tiwari a ticket for the third consecutive time, indicating the continuity of their political relationship. However, politics is not always the same. When Rahul Tiwari lost the election, Shivanand Tiwari's tone suddenly changed. He has now launched a scathing attack on the same Lalu Prasad Yadav who had shown kindness to him and his son.

In his statement, Shivanand Tiwari recalled his days in prison with Lalu Prasad Yadav, when they were both imprisoned in the same room in Phulwari Sharif jail during the Bihar agitation. Tiwari explained that while Lalu Yadav was the face of that movement, his ambitions were limited. According to Tiwari, Lalu Yadav shared his dreams for the future with him while going to sleep at night. "Baba, I want to become a leader like Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav," Lalu said. Tiwari also expressed surprise at how God sometimes listens, and his wishes are fulfilled.

Shivanand Tiwari compared Lalu Prasad Yadav to Dhritarashtra. This is a very serious and symbolic accusation. The Mahabharata character Dhritarashtra is considered responsible for the Mahabharata war due to his weakness and love for his son. Shivanand Tiwari's statement has a deep meaning. He is likely saying that Lalu Prasad Yadav has become so blinded by his love for his son that he is unable to properly understand the current state and future prospects of his party. This accusation is a direct question to Lalu Yadav.

On one hand, Jagadanand Singh, who visited Lalu's residence after the defeat and embraced his friend and reassured him, on the other hand, Shivanand Tiwari's statement exposes the deep roots and complexities of Bihar politics. It shows how personal ambitions, political relationships, loyalties, and betrayals change over time. Shivanand Tiwari's sudden change in stance may be the result of disappointment and frustration stemming from his son's defeat, or it may be due to his disdain for Lalu Yadav. This is a manifestation of a deep dissatisfaction that has been simmering in the heart for years.

Turks and turns are common in politics, where yesterday's allies become today's adversaries, and where relationships become secondary to the pursuit of power. Politics is not only a game of promises and intentions, but also full of twists and turns where friendships, loyalties, and gratitude change colors over time. Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has experienced so many ups and downs himself, may be accustomed to such changes. But Shivanand Tiwari's statement has called his old loyalties into question.

Shivanand Tiwari is a well-known name in Bihar politics. His political career has been fraught with many ups and downs. However, at the heart of this story is the relationship between Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Shivanand Tiwari, which has often been cited as an example. The affection and trust Lalu Prasad Yadav showed towards Shivanand Tiwari has been a topic of discussion in political circles. As a friend, Lalu Prasad Yadav not only considered Shivanand Tiwari He was not only made an MLA, but also given the dignity of a ministerial position. This was the pinnacle of friendship, where a leader, by expressing his trust in his close associate, elevated him to the pinnacle of power.

But this journey of friendship did not stop there. Lalu Prasad Yadav, extending his goodwill towards Shivanand Tiwari, also provided a political platform to his businessman son, Rahul Tiwari. He was made an MLA, making it clear that Lalu Prasad Yadav felt a deep connection not only with Shivanand Tiwari but with his entire family. This unwavering trust and cooperation continued until the 2025 elections. However, circumstances in politics often take unexpected turns.

Unfortunately, Rahul Tiwari faced defeat in the 2025 elections. This defeat was a major blow not only to Rahul Tiwari but also to Shivanand Tiwari. And with this defeat, Shivanand Tiwari's "Shoor" (brave) attitude began to change rapidly. The party that honored him and his son so many times, the party whose leader had placed unwavering faith in him, He showed his strength, and his tone toward the same party and the same leader began to change. This change was so clear and sudden that it surprised political observers.

The rhetoric and criticism that Shivanand Tiwari launched after this defeat were completely contrary to his previous stance. He began questioning the party leadership, election management, and possibly other internal issues. This behavior came at a time when he should have been more loyal and faithful to the party, especially the party that had played a crucial role in shaping his political career.

Lalu Prasad Yadav, who followed the principle of friendship, elevated Shivanand Tiwari to the pinnacle of power, made him a minister, and then also made his son an MLA—all of which were a testament to Lalu Prasad Yadav's generosity and friendship. However, when the results did not go his way, pointing fingers at the same leader and party defies the tenets of friendship, which requires mutual support in times of crisis.

Shivanand Tiwari's shifting stance highlights the contradictions in Bihar politics, where personal ambition and the glamour of power often trump human values ​​and ingratitude. This case forces us to wonder whether true friendship and loyalty still have any place in today's world, or whether everything revolves solely around political equations and self-interest.