Lalu Prasad Yadav

This special report covers the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the incident, stating, 'I need proper investigation under the supervision of Supreme Court only.' The demand for a transparent probe has been echoed by other opposition leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Prakash Ambedkar, with some suggesting a potential conspiracy. The aircraft, operated by VSR Aviation and piloted by Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Shambhavi Pathak, reportedly crashed during its approach. Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have commenced an investigation at the VSR Aviation office in Delhi. While the company head suggests visibility or pilot misjudgement as possible causes, eyewitnesses described the aircraft as wobbly before it plummeted. The programme examines the political ramifications and the ongoing technical investigation into the high-profile accident.

In a significant political development in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav has officially named his son, Tejashwi Yadav, as the party's working president. While Lalu Prasad Yadav remains the national president, this appointment grants Tejashwi Yadav greater authority to make organizational decisions. The transition comes in the wake of a major poll debacle where the RJD was reduced to 25 seats, triggering internal friction. The move has drawn sharp criticism from within the family, with Rohini Acharya hitting out at the decision. She remarked, 'Puppet Shreya Dada got the crown,' and suggested that this appointment marks the end of Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'glorious innings' as a towering political figure. The report also highlights previous allegations of physical abuse and public rifts within the family following the election losses. This leadership shift signals a new era for the RJD as it attempts to navigate internal challenges and future electoral battles in Bihar.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of 'unconstitutional' and 'irresponsible' behaviour. Prasad alleged that the Chief Minister interfered in an ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at a private consultancy firm linked to a coal scam, reportedly snatching files from officials. He stated, 'The entire action of the Chief Minister is not only unethical, irresponsible, unconstitutional, but she has put the entire democratic process and governance to shame.' Prasad questioned Banerjee's alleged links to the consultancy firm, suggesting her actions were intended to protect sensitive information. He further contrasted her conduct with other political leaders during investigations and cited past instances like the Sharda scam and Sandeshkhali to highlight a pattern of obstructing central agencies. The BJP leader also referenced the recent framing of charges against Lalu Prasad in the land-for-job scam, asserting that democratic norms must be upheld during legal probes.

In this report, India Today's Law Correspondent Srishti Ojha details a major setback for the Yadav family as a Delhi court orders the framing of charges in the Land for Jobs scam. The court, observing that the Ministry of Railways was used as a 'criminal enterprise' under Lalu Prasad Yadav, directed corruption and conspiracy charges against him, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav. Ojha explains that the court found prima facie evidence of a conspiracy where government jobs were exchanged for land parcels. The report notes that 41 accused face charges, with the next procedural step being their plea on guilt.

In a candid interview on India Today's UnPolitics, RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha addresses the party's recent defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections. Jha defends Tejaswi Yadav's decision to take a European holiday amidst criticism from senior leader Shivanand Tiwari, stating, 'A leader knows what to pick up from where.' He dismisses claims of a succession battle and reflects on the need for civil dialogue in democracy, saying, 'I want Conversation here in our streets in our colleges in my parliament to remain as civil as it was.' Jha also reveals his dream dinner guests would include Leon Trotsky, Isaac Deutscher, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

In a candid conversation with India Today's Preeti Choudhry, RJD MP Manoj Jha discusses the changing landscape of Indian politics. Jha counters the 'Jungle Raj' narrative often associated with his party, terming it 'propaganda' by a section of the media. He responds to Prashant Kishore's remarks about his Rajya Sabha tenure, asserting that his identity as a teacher and activist exists beyond his parliamentary seat. The RJD leader also expresses concern over the declining quality of parliamentary debates and the 'adversarial' nature of political discourse today.

On this episode of UnPolitics, RJD MP Manoj Jha speaks to Preeti Choudhry about his party's recent electoral defeat in Bihar. Addressing the 'Jungle Raj' narrative, Jha argues that the RJD has been a 'victim of perception management' despite securing a significant vote share. He reflects on his role in politics, stating, 'I didn't come to Parliament to be a minister. I came to Parliament to convey a message.' The Rajya Sabha MP also discusses the emotional toll of political loss, remarking that 'when you lose an election, you become an orphan.' The conversation covers caste privilege, the Election Commission, and the challenges facing the opposition.

In a wide-ranging interview on India Today's 'UnPolitics' with Preeti Choudhry, RJD Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha discusses his political career, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the future of the RJD.

In an exclusive interview, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha addresses the party's defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections. Responding to senior leader Shivanand Tiwari's criticism of Tejaswi Yadav's foreign holiday, Jha argues the leader 'earned the holiday' after 18 months of campaigning. He dismisses rumors of a family rift involving Rohini Acharya and clarifies the 'grapevine' about cash transfer promises. Jha also shares a personal revelation about his absence during the polls due to his father's cancer treatment.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor discusses his party's recent electoral defeat in Bihar, his future political strategy, and his firm stance on alliances. Kishor reiterates that his political platform, Jansuraj, will not be compromised by aligning with other parties like the Congress or RJD, and announces his return to public life with a 'yatra' starting from January 15. Responding to those writing his political obituary after the loss, Kishor stated, 'The people who are writing my obituary, the people who are making fun of me, they are the ones who are most bothered to talk to them, to interview them. So, that shows that I am not dead yet'. He also reflects on the lessons from failure and references Kanshi Ram's theory on electoral battles.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor discusses the political landscape of Bihar, questioning the health of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and reaffirming his commitment to his 10-year plan for the state. Kishor addresses his previous attacks on key political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and states his intention to pursue legal action against him. When asked how he would follow up on the grave charges he made against Samrat Choudhary, Prashant Kishor said, 'Bilkul jaenge court Mein move karenge' (' will absolutely go, will move the court'). The interview also touches upon Kishor's electoral predictions and his distinction between electoral victory and the validation of a politician's character, citing the conviction of Lalu Prasad Yadav in the fodder scam despite his past electoral wins.

This edition of Democratic Newsroom analyses the political career of Nitish Kumar, who on Thursday took oath as the Bihar Chief Minister for a record 10th time.

This edition of Democratic Newsroom analyses the political career of Nitish Kumar, following his tenth oath-taking ceremony as Chief Minister of Bihar. The discussion, featuring journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai, weighs his two-decade-long tenure, debating if he is a political genius who cultivated specific vote banks like women ('Mahila'), minorities, and the most backward castes, or a political survivor known for compromising and switching alliances. Reflecting on this, Rajdeep Sardesai states, 'Today, Nitish Kumar made survival and end in itself.' The panel explores his reputation for avoiding corruption and dynasty politics, his 'Sushasan Babu' image, and the 'Paltu Ram' label earned from changing political partners. The conversation also touches upon his role in reviving the RJD in 2015 and whether his frequent shifts have dented his credibility, even as he remains indispensable to Bihar's politics.

This special report features a discussion on the political credibility of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The conversation covers his reputation, which was built on a perception of being free from corruption, and the subsequent decline due to his frequent shifts in political alliances between the BJP and the RJD. According to one speaker, 'But his credibility took a dent the moment he started switching sides from one to another, from BJP to RJD, then from RJD to again back to the BJP.' The panel also touches upon his legacy, including ending the 'jungle raj' image of Bihar, and debates the impact of the 'Modi factor' in state elections versus general elections. The discussion references his past resignations on moral grounds and contrasts it with his more recent political manoeuvres.

This report covers the landslide victory of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and the BJP in the Bihar assembly elections. It traces Kumar's 40-year political journey, from the JP movement with Lalu Prasad Yadav to his multiple alliances with the BJP and RJD, earning him the nickname 'Paltu Ram'. The bulletin includes footage of him taking an oath, stating, 'Bharat ke Sanvidhan ke prati sachi shraddha aur nishtha rakhunga'. The narrative explores his focus on 'Sushasan' (good governance) as a contrast to the RJD's era and his frequent political shifts, which have consistently kept him in a position of power in the state's politics. As he prepares for a new mandate, his leadership faces a more demanding young electorate amidst complex alliance equations.

This special report focuses on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is set to take the oath of office for the tenth time. JDU leader K.C. Tyagi discusses his long association with Kumar since 1974 and contrasts the 'Nitish Yug' with the 'Lalu Yug', highlighting policies on development and women's empowerment, including reservations in panchayats and the police, and state-wide prohibition. According to K.C. Tyagi, 'Nitish Kumar jab mukhantri pada se istifa dete Hain though hazar chaude Mein loksabha chunav Mein harney ke baad toh Bihar Ki Jo sabse Dalit community hai majhi samdhay uske aadmi ko mukhyamantri banaate hai apne bhaai aur bete ko nahi banaate hai'. The bulletin also looks ahead to the swearing-in ceremony at Patna's Gandhi Maidan, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

In a heated phone call with a journalist, Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, questioned why her brother did not donate a kidney to their father. In the conversation, she is heard asking, 'beta Gaye nahi diya' ('The son didn't give'). The confrontation followed a viral video where the journalist advised that a married daughter should not stay at her parents' house for long. India Today's Rohit Singh reported this was the trigger for the phone call. Acharya, who donated her kidney to her father in 2022, also challenged the journalist, asking, 'Do you have the courage to give a bottle of blood?'. The incident brings the ongoing family tensions into the public domain, highlighting sensitivities around her kidney donation and traditional family roles.

This special report covers major international and domestic news, leading with the death sentence for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal. Dhaka is now seeking her extradition from India, where she is in exile. The program also examines dynastic politics in India, featuring a debate with Congress MP Karthi Chidambaram, author Tavleen Singh, and analyst Sanjay Jha on whether family-run parties are a social reality or a democratic threat. This discussion is set against the backdrop of an escalating family feud within the Rashtriya Janata Dal following a major election defeat. Additionally, the report investigates alleged pressure on Election Commission officers linked to recent suicides and covers a cricket controversy where Sunil Gavaskar commented on the Indian team's performance and pitch quality, stating there were 'no demons in the pitch'. Other headlines include the aftermath of the Red Fort blast and a fatal bus crash involving Indian pilgrims in Mecca.

This special report covers the seismic rift within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the family of its National President, Lalu Prasad Yadav, following a major electoral defeat in Bihar. The internal crisis escalated as Lalu's daughter, Rohini Acharya, publicly accused her brother, Tejashwi Yadav, and his aides of orchestrating the poll loss, leading to allegations of threats and physical assault. In the midst of the turmoil, Rohini Acharya stated, 'I don't have a family. Go and ask Sanjay, Rameez and Tejaswi YadaMs.8 I don't have a family. They have thrown me out of the family'. Despite the explosive family feud, Lalu Prasad Yadav has endorsed Tejashwi's leadership of the party.

This special report covers a major development within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), where party president Lalu Prasad Yadav has designated his son, Tejashwi Yadav, as his successor. The announcement was made during a party meeting in Patna, following the RJD's worst-ever electoral performance, securing only 25 of the 143 seats it contested. The report also details a severe internal conflict playing out publicly, with Lalu Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, launching accusations against Sanjay Yadav, a close political advisor to Tejashwi. The report notes that Rohini Acharya has levelled 'very very serious personal abuses and charges' against Sanjay Yadav and others in Tejashwi's inner circle.