Rabri Devi's Sibling Accuses BJP of Targeting Lalu Prasad for Being a Backward Caste Leader
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Synopsis
Prabhunath Yadav, brother of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, criticizes the BJP government for allegedly targeting Lalu Prasad Yadav due to his backward caste identity amid an ED probe into the land-for-job case.
Key Takeaways
- Prabhunath Yadav condemns BJP's political actions.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav remains unyielding against BJP.
- ED's investigation intensifies with questioning of family members.
- Allegations involve coercion of land transfers for jobs.
- Political motivations cited ahead of Bihar elections.
Patna, March 18 (NationPress) - As the Enforcement Directorate (ED) escalates its investigation into the IRCTC land-for-job controversy, Prabhunath Yadav, the sibling of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, has criticized the BJP-led central government, alleging it is engaging in political retribution against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family.
In an interview with IANS, Prabhunath Yadav remarked, “Leaders from the opposition who switch to the BJP seem to escape scrutiny, whereas Lalu Yadav’s family faces relentless harassment due to their unwavering principles.”
He highlighted figures like Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who have not been interrogated by federal agencies, despite claims of their involvement in corruption.
“Lalu Prasad Yadav is a leader of the backward caste who has stood firm against the BJP. His widespread support among Dalits and the economically disadvantaged makes him a target for the governing party. Lalu is a champion for the underprivileged, which is why the BJP is pursuing him,” Yadav stated during the IANS interview.
The ED's efforts to investigate the Lalu Prasad Yadav family intensified on Tuesday, as former CM Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap Yadav reported for questioning in Patna. Rabri Devi and Misa Bharti arrived together at the ED office in Patna early on Tuesday.
Tej Pratap Yadav came later, complying with the summons related to the land-for-job scandal. This marks the first occasion that Tej Pratap Yadav has been directly interrogated by the ED in Patna.
The Land-for-Job scam is claimed to have occurred while Lalu Prasad Yadav was serving as the Railway Minister. He faces allegations of coercing impoverished individuals to cede their land at minimal prices in exchange for railway employment.
The CBI and the ED have been probing this case, with Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Yadav also subjected to questioning. Leaders from the RJD have characterized this as political harassment, suggesting it is connected to the impending Bihar Assembly elections in 2025.
“Both the central and state governments are systematically targeting us. Such cases invariably arise before elections. I have complete trust in the judicial system,” Rabri Devi stated.
