New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a harsh dig at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a recent rally saying that “those who could even eat cattle fodder cannot be expected to think about the welfare of farmers”, directly referring to the involvement of Lalu in the infamous fodder scam in which the former Bihar Chief Minister was found guilty in various cases against him.
Fodder Scam: An Overview
The fodder scam was a large-scale corruption scandal that took place in the 1990s reporting to the Bihar Animal Husbandry Department, in which money earmarked for cattle fodder was undisguised through fake invoices. He was found guilty of organizing unnatural embezzlement, which led him to conviction on many scores.
Lalu Yadav Sentences and Current Situation
The court has sentenced Lalu Prasad Yadav to a total of 14 years in various cases related to the fodder scam. The Dumka treasury case, involving the withdrawal of ₹3.13 crore, earned him a seven-year prison sentence. The Doranda treasury case of misappropriation involving ₹139.35 crore resulted in a five-year jail term and a ₹60 lakh fine. He is out on bail and sinning against the medical treatment for various ailments.
Political Ramification of the Prime Minister’s Outburst
PM Modi’s remark has come at a highly crucial juncture, just before the polls. He proclaimed that farmers’ welfare was always the priority of his government, “If our government were not at the helm of taking decisions, farmers would not have the privilege of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.” This statement represented a flying leap at opposition parties, particularly the RJD, which was not short of corruption charges in the past.
Agricultural Initiatives of the Government
During his speech, PM Modi also highlighted his government’s achievements in the agricultural sector. He asserted that agricultural exports had gone up several notches to ensure that farmers received just remuneration for their products. Even a Makhana Board would be established for promote Bihar’s famous foxnuts (Makhana) in the global market to provide more income to farmers.
Response from the Opposition
PM Modi’s attack on Lalu Yadav has triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav brushed aside the remark as politically motivated, stating, “The Prime Minister is doing so on the old allegations to divert attention from real issues. Our party has always worked for the poor and farmers, and it shall continue to do so.” The Congress party also condemned Modi’s statement as an affront to political decorum that could escalate political hostilities further.
Judicial Proceedings and Future Challenges
Legal proceedings against Lalu Prasad Yadav are multi-faceted, and while he has received bail in some, several cases have not finalized hearings yet. Legal experts say the judgments in these cases might play a vital role in shaping Bihar’s political landscape. RJD and the other opposition parties now have to strategize very carefully to counter the allegations and regain the confidence of the masses ahead of elections.
PM Modi’s remarks regarding the fodder scam have reopened the discussion on political corruption in India. His statement has not only given a shot-in-the-arm to the anti-corruption stand of the government, but also posed challenges for their few opposition counterparts, notably RJD, to contextualize their political narrative before the elections. While the political and judicial battles unfold, it remains to be seen how much these allegations may impact the sentiments of voters.
