India's man for all seasons (Asia Times Online)

The Indian leader most sought after internationally to make a high-profile visit is not the PM nor the President or even Sonia.

It is Lalu Prasad Yadav, the railway minister.

A govt official is quoted as saying, ""More than 100 missions have sought his curriculum vitae and asked questions about him. They say he is worth studying. Such interest is unheard of for any other minister." Incidentally, Lalu Prasad is also the subject of a study by sociologists at Harvard University.

The article also notes Lalu's resilience in politics. It contrasts him with other CMs like Chandrababu Naidu who have been voted out inspite of a good development record while Lalu continues to hold sway over Bihar inspite of its various problems.

And then there are the 'did-he-really-say-that?' anecdotes. Lalu declared that the recent floods that killed hundreds were a boon by the gods as expensive fish that was available only for the rich to eat were now able to swim freely to be caught and eaten by the poor.

Lalu da jawaab nahin!