The term ‘Jungle Raj’ originated from a commentary of the Patna High Court in 1997, which became a symbol of the RJD’s 15-year rule. BJP leader Sushil Modi popularized it as a major political weapon against the RJD.
Patna: In the politics of Bihar for decades, a word has been used like a sharp weapon between the ruling and opposition parties, ‘Jungle Raj’. This word, indicating the 15-year rule of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Lalu Prasad Yadav, has become so popular that it has become a kind of ‘trademark slogan’ of Bihar politics. Interestingly, this term originated not from the speech of any opposition leader, but from a serious oral comment of the Patna High Court.
That sensational comment of the High Court
The story of the word ‘Jungle Raj’ began in July 1997. At that time the court was hearing a contempt petition filed by social activist Krishna Sahay. In this petition, the issue of waterlogging and lack of proper drainage system in Patna city was raised. According to media reports, Patna High Court Justice V.P. The Division Bench of Justice Singh and Justice Dharampal Sinha had made a very sharp oral comment on the administrative situation of the state during that time. The judges had commented, “This is worse than Jungle Raj and has no respect for the court’s directions and public interest.”
Association with Lalu-Rabri Raj
The timing of this judicial comment was extremely important. The court’s remarks came just a month after Lalu Prasad Yadav resigned from the post of Chief Minister and his wife Rabri Devi became the Chief Minister. Lalu Yadav had resigned in early July 1997 after being embroiled in the fodder scam. The court’s harsh remarks received wide coverage in the media. Given the state’s deteriorating law and order situation, administrative anarchy and corruption in governance at that time, the court’s observation provided an accurate and sharp statement to describe the situation in Bihar.
Sushil Modi made it a political slogan
This word came into discussion after the judicial comment, but the credit for making it the biggest and effective slogan of Bihar politics goes to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, late Sushil Kumar Modi. Sushil Kumar Modi started using this word as a political weapon. He repeatedly referred to RJD’s 15-year rule as ‘Jungle Raj’ in his speeches, press conferences and election rallies. Due to this frequent and offensive use, the term became not just a comment but a synonym for the alleged breakdown of law and order during the RJD regime.
Sushil Modi and other BJP leaders used the word in election forums in such a way that it left a deep impression among the voters of Bihar. Even today in Bihar politics, whenever someone attacks RJD on law and order, using the word ‘Jungle Raj’ has become an essential part.
Thus, the story of the term ‘Jungle Raj’ began with a rebuke from the judiciary, but due to the skillful and aggressive use of a senior leader it became the biggest and controversial election slogan of Bihar politics, influencing political discourse for decades.