New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) A Delhi court has issued an order to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav in connection with the IRCTC hotel scam. This development has prompted a fierce response from leaders of the BJP and Janata Dal (United), who criticized the RJD for its longstanding history of corruption, claiming recovery from this scandal will be incredibly challenging for them.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh commented, “The sins of the young leaders in the INDIA Bloc have reached their peak. The charges are now framed. This so-called Mahagathbandhan is merely a coalition of thieves. Soon, the families of these looters will find themselves incarcerated.”

Another BJP leader, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, stated, “This family, known for crime and corrupt governance, is now facing legal consequences, and their alliance will inevitably suffer a significant defeat in the public sphere. Their extensive list of crimes has harmed both the nation and the state that supported their rise to power. They have exploited the system and facilitated rampant corruption. Rest assured, justice will be served.”

BJP leader Kapil Dev Aggarwal shared a similar view, affirming, “Actions will be taken against all involved in corruption. The legal process has commenced, and justice will be achieved.”

In response, Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary remarked, “I have not reviewed the entire court order, but this is a matter for the judiciary. The allegations against Lalu Prasad Yadav are certainly shocking for the RJD during an election period.”

Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, the JD(U) national spokesperson, was particularly harsh in his comments.

He stated, “Let’s see how these individuals, who often discuss corruption and promise employment, will respond to the court's ruling. The public is aware that the character and reputation of this family remain unchanged. Charges have been formally filed against Lalu Ji, Rabri Ji, and Tejashwi Ji. The ‘land-for-jobs’ case is also pending. The people of Bihar have not forgotten Lalu Prasad’s conviction in the fodder scam. Their history of corruption is extensive, making recovery nearly impossible for the RJD. The public has resolved to reject the Mahagathbandhan, which includes Congress, the Left, and VIP, all of whom continue to support the RJD.”

Union Minister and HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi remained neutral, stating, “The court has made its decision. The judiciary will perform its duties, and the process will unfold on its own.”

Conversely, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav described the situation as “part of a broader political strategy.”

“This is a typical court procedure. We will persist in contesting the case. As we've stated previously, with elections approaching, such incidents are inevitable. While we respect the judiciary, we want to clarify that we have consistently chosen the path of struggle and will continue to do so. The people of Bihar are wise and comprehend what is unfolding,” he told IANS.

RJD spokesperson Nawal Kishore dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

“This is an old strategy of the NDA and BJP, especially during elections. They revive closed cases and create a spectacle to portray all opposition leaders as corrupt. However, the reality of the past decade shows that many so-called tainted individuals have ended up joining the BJP. This is a tactic to mislead the public,” he added.

Pushpam Priya Choudhary, President of the Plurals Party, offered a more measured perspective, stating, “In matters of court proceedings, there is little room for political commentary. The judiciary is independent and will adhere to due process.”

Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan asserted that the opposition would not be intimidated, “This doesn't affect us. We are the voice for Dalits and marginalized communities. We are part of the INDI Alliance, and no one can suppress us.”

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha further claimed the charges are part of a broader conspiracy.

“We will appeal to higher courts and are confident in securing justice. Since 2014, the BJP-led central government has persistently targeted opposition leaders through fabricated accusations. This is a well-known tactic. Ironically, many individuals whom the Prime Minister once labeled as corrupt have now joined the BJP,” he told IANS.

The Rouse Avenue Court has set the stage for the trial of the accused under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, as they have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Special judge Vishal Gogne reserved its order on May 29 after carefully considering arguments regarding the framing of charges for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption against Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta, and Railway officials Rakesh Saksena and P.K. Goyal.

The alleged scam transpired between 2004 and 2009, during which period Lalu Prasad served as the Union Railway Minister. During his tenure, two hotels were leased without adhering to proper regulations.

This case pertains to the alleged irregularities in awarding the maintenance contract for two IRCTC hotels to a firm while Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister.