Fodder Scam Triggers Fiery Discourse in Bihar Assembly
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Synopsis
On March 4, 2023, the infamous fodder scam reignited discussions in the Bihar assembly, causing a verbal conflict between Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Mishra. The session highlighted accusations of selective targeting and the overlooked conviction of former CM Jagannath Mishra.
Key Takeaways
- The fodder scam remains a significant topic in Bihar politics.
- Tejashwi Yadav highlights selective targeting by the ruling party.
- Jagannath Mishra's conviction often goes unmentioned.
- The debate led to a need for intervention by the Speaker.
- Both Lalu and Jagannath Mishra faced legal repercussions.
Patna, March 4 (NationPress) The fodder scam, one of Bihar’s most significant corruption scandals, made headlines again in the state assembly on Tuesday, resulting in a heated exchange between Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Mishra.
Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, accused the ruling party of engaging in selective targeting regarding the fodder scam during the third day of the budget session in the Bihar assembly.
He highlighted that Jagannath Mishra, a former Chief Minister of Bihar and father of Nitish Mishra (BJP), was also convicted in this scandal.
“Why does the ruling party consistently reference my father but neglect to mention Jagannath Mishra?” he questioned.
The fodder scam is a Rs 950 crore scandal involving fraudulent withdrawals intended for cattle fodder. Lalu Prasad Yadav was convicted and has served multiple prison sentences.
Although Jagannath Mishra was also convicted, he is frequently omitted from political discussions.
Tejashwi Yadav criticized the ruling party for only mentioning Lalu Prasad Yadav’s conviction while ignoring Jagannath Mishra, another former Chief Minister who faced similar legal issues. Nitish Mishra, son of Jagannath Mishra, promptly defended his father, asserting that he was acquitted by the court.
Tejashwi promptly replied, stating: “You are providing incomplete information. Your father was acquitted in two cases but convicted in others.”
Jagannath Mishra faced convictions in two cases linked to the fodder scam concerning the Chaibasa Treasury and received sentences of four and five years.
He was acquitted in the Dumka and Deoghar cases, while the hearing for the Doranda case was left incomplete before his demise.
In contrast to Lalu Yadav, Jagannath Mishra never served jail time.
Following the intense debate between Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Mishra, Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav intervened to restore order.
