PATNA, January 4: Sadhu and Subhas Yadav have been an irritation not just for the beleaguered people of Bihar, but also for their brother-in-law Laloo Prasad Yadav. The CBI cases of disproportionate income against Laloo in the fodder scam revolved to a great extent around their activities.For a number of years, Laloo has borne the brunt of the misdeeds of the elder of the two, (Anirudha) Sadhu Yadav, known for his brash manners and position as alleged kingpin of criminal gangs.
However, Laloo's arrest in the fodder scam witnessed the emergence of another brother-in-law on the political scene, Subhas Yadav. While Sadhu was busy with his political activities, Subhas, the good boy, devoted himself to the welfare of his sister's husband in jail. And his suave behaviour helped him earn a place in the circle of senior politicians in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Now the brothers have taken up arms against each other on the issue of contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Gopalganj. Matters have come to
such a head that neither is ready to recognise the other.
Subhas, who enjoys close relations with sister and Chief Minister Rabri Devi, is said to be hell-bent on contesting from Gopalganj. But Sadhu is unwilling to relinquish his claims. In this situation, the man who won the seat last time, Lal Babu Prasad, has immigrated in search of a safer pasture. But the battle of attrition is telling upon others closer home, such as Rabri and Laloo. They are said to be apprehensive that this may disturb the close ties that Bihar's first family is renowned for.
Both husband and wife, at whose command thousands of RJD workers are ready to do anything, are finding it hard to tame the two. Of them, Sadhu is the most aggressive, allegedly commanding close links with the underworld.
Over the last two years he has been involved in a number of incidents, but escaped being charged. He also played a key role in mustering legislators during the confidence motion on Laloo in July 1997.
After Laloo's release, both Sadhu
and Subhas organised parallel rallies in Gopalganj. Sources said that the two brothers have always been at daggers drawn. While Sadhu is said to have depended on his strong-arm tactics, Subhas used his suave posture to gain a position of power.
Sadhu claims to have helped Laloo and ensured the victory of Janata Dal legislators at Gopalganj in 1995. He also says he has the support of all the local RJD legislators and reiterates that Subhas is a non-political person who has been put up by his detractors. The latter justifies his stance saying that he has been working for the people.
So far Laloo has been maintaining silence on this issue. Busy evolving a front of allied parties, he has ignored the strife till now. But as polls come closer, and an inevitable denouement, one of the brothers is likely to come out on top. For Laloo though, it looks like a no-win situation.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
