Did Nitish Kumar Really Make Lalu Prasad Bihar’s CM? The Truth Behind 1990’s Power Struggle
Did Nitish Kumar ‘Make’ Lalu Prasad Bihar’s CM in 1990? The Real Story
The political rivalry between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav is well known. However, what many may not know is that these two leaders were once close allies. Recently, during Bihar’s Budget session, Nitish Kumar made a striking claim—that he played an instrumental role in making Lalu the Chief Minister of Bihar in 1990. This statement sparked a heated debate and led to a dramatic walkout by Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s son and the Leader of the Opposition.
But what is the real story? Did Nitish Kumar truly help Lalu become CM? Let’s rewind to the political landscape of the 1970s and 1980s to understand the events that led to Lalu’s rise to power.
Nitish Kumar vs. Tejashwi Yadav: A Political War of Words
During the recent Bihar Budget session, Nitish Kumar responded sharply to Tejashwi Yadav’s political attacks by saying:
“Tumhare pita ko hum hi banaye the (I am the one who made your father the CM). Even people from your caste group were against making him the CM. Yet, I supported him.”
This remark shocked the Assembly and led Tejashwi to storm out in protest. But this wasn’t just a casual remark—it takes us back to one of Bihar’s most significant political transitions in 1990.
The Rise of Lalu Prasad Yadav: From Student Leader to CM
To understand Nitish Kumar’s claim, we must go back to 1974, when Lalu Prasad first gained recognition as the President of Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU). This was the era of the JP Movement, a massive student-led agitation against the Congress government.
During this time, Nitish Kumar, a student leader at Bihar College of Engineering, also entered politics. However, their journeys took different paths:
- Lalu Prasad became an MP from Chhapra in 1977, riding the anti-Emergency wave.
- Nitish Kumar struggled in electoral politics and lost the Assembly elections in 1977 and 1980 before finally winning from Harnaut in 1985.
Both were members of the Lok Dal, led by former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. This was when their political friendship started.
The Power Struggle of 1990: How Lalu Became CM
By 1990, the Janata Dal had emerged as a dominant force in Bihar, challenging the Congress. But who would become Bihar’s next Chief Minister?
The Main Contenders:
- Lalu Prasad Yadav – A young, rising leader with a strong mass appeal.
- Raghunath Jha – A senior leader with strong political backing.
- Ram Sundar Das – Another senior leader in the race.
- Nitish Kumar – A growing leader, but not yet as influential as Lalu.
The party was divided. While the upper caste and some backward caste leaders backed Ram Sundar Das or Raghunath Jha, a section of young leaders, including Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav, and others, supported Lalu.
Nitish, along with Sharad Yadav, reportedly convinced party leaders that Lalu was the best choice to counter Congress and mobilize the backward caste vote bank. Eventually, Lalu Prasad was chosen as the CM, marking the beginning of a new political era in Bihar.
Did Nitish Kumar ‘Make’ Lalu the CM?
While it’s clear that Nitish supported Lalu, calling him the sole reason behind Lalu’s rise to CM may be an overstatement. However, his backing did play a crucial role in tilting the decision in Lalu’s favor.
Why Did Nitish Support Lalu?
- They were part of the same next-generation leadership in the Janata Dal.
- Both leaders wanted to challenge the old guard and establish a new political order.
- Lalu had mass appeal, while Nitish was an emerging strategist.
This political alliance would not last forever. As years passed, rivalries deepened, and the once-close allies turned into fierce opponents.
From Friends to Foes: The Nitish-Lalu Rivalry
1994 – The Split Begins
Lalu’s growing influence in Bihar politics led to dissatisfaction among many Janata Dal leaders, including Nitish. By 1994, Nitish Kumar broke away and formed Samata Party, marking the start of his rivalry with Lalu.
2005 – The End of Lalu’s Rule
After ruling Bihar for 15 years, Lalu Prasad’s government faced strong anti-incumbency. Nitish Kumar, now a strong leader, formed an alliance with the BJP and ended Lalu’s rule in 2005, becoming Bihar’s CM.
2024 – The Political Battle Continues
Fast forward to today, the Nitish vs. Tejashwi rivalry continues. The two leaders represent different political ideologies, yet their past is deeply connected.
A Political Legacy of Alliances and Rivalries
Nitish Kumar’s claim of making Lalu Prasad the CM in 1990 is partly true—he did play a role in ensuring Lalu’s selection. However, it was a collective effort by many young Janata Dal leaders at the time. Their journey from friends to political foes has shaped Bihar’s political history for decades.
As Bihar heads into another election season, the legacy of this old rivalry continues to influence the state’s politics, with Tejashwi Yadav now leading the RJD against Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
