Brand Lalu On the Rise

Management and Business schools may plan to study the case of Lalu Prasad Yadav but clever business minds have already used brand Lalu to spin money. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, one of India's most controversial politicians may have been voted out of power in Bihar but there seems to be no end to the electorate's love story with Brand Lalu. The latest entrant is ‘Lalu rakhis’ and are doing more than just brisk business.

First it was the Lalu dolls. Then Lalu chocolates, Lalu fodder and Lalu cosmetics flooded the Bihar markets. And now with Rakhi round the corner it is no surprise that Lalu rakhis have inundated this state. A few months ago Lalu chocolates, launched in the rural pockets of north Bihar, had many takers.

If the sales of the chocolates and rakhis are any indication, the railway minister's popularity is indeed immense. Meanwhile Cadres of Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal are happy with the success of the products, because it is indicative of the Bihar strongman's popularity.

Some months ago a new company had launched three qualities of animal feed under the brand name ‘Lalu Pashu Aahar’ which became an instant hit in rural Bihar. Meanwhile besides these products, local barbers and saloons are earning handsome money by offering what they call the ‘Lalu cut’.

It seems like everyone is riding a laughter wave on Brand Lalu. The business men are making a quick buck, the customers are happy with their latest Lalu product and Lalu party men cannot stop smiling.