In a significant political development in Patna, the Bihar state government has indicated a potential inquiry into allegations of illegal land holdings against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav. The state's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms, Vijay Kumar Sinha, suggested on Thursday that the government could take cognizance of the claims if formally approached.
Government's Stance and Opposition's Reaction
Vijay Kumar Sinha, while responding to reporters' queries, stated that the administration would act upon receiving a formal request. "If any such application reaches before him (seeking an inquiry into such landed properties), our government will certainly take cognisance of it," the minister declared. This statement came directly after a demand from JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, who publicly urged the state government to investigate the alleged widespread land assets of the RJD chief, who is currently recuperating from eye surgeries in Delhi.
The RJD reacted swiftly and strongly, dismissing the allegations as entirely baseless. Party spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav accused the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of attempting to divert public attention from pressing real issues. "CBI, ED and all government agencies completed their investigation into Lalu's property and found nothing," Yadav asserted on Thursday. He challenged the premise of a state probe by asking, "Are the Bihar agencies above CBI and ED?"
Allegations and Counter-Demands
JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar, while mocking Lalu Prasad's past narratives of humble beginnings, alleged that the former chief minister owns multiple landed properties across the nation. "Jidhar nazar udhar zamin hi zamin dikhta hai (Wherever you look, there is only land owned by Lalu). Whether it is Delhi, Patna, Muzaffarpur, or Gopalganj, Lalu has landed properties. He is poorer with just 43 bighas of land," Kumar remarked sarcastically.
He formally requested the Revenue and Land Reforms Department to verify the legitimacy of these holdings. Kumar pressed for an investigation into how the properties were acquired, whether they came via donations or in exchange for political benefits, and if all requisite taxes were paid to the department.
In a countermove, the RJD demanded that the state government issue a white paper on the condition of Bihar's exchequer. This demand specifically followed the NDA's announcement of a Rs 2 lakh grant for women entrepreneurs. Yadav questioned the fiscal feasibility, asking, "From where will the government arrange Rs 2.17 lakh crore to disburse this amount?" He alleged that funds earmarked for NABARD and disaster management were being diverted for electoral gains.
Political Context and Ongoing Initiatives
The controversy erupts amidst Deputy CM Sinha's ongoing 'Bhoomi Sudhar Jan Kalyan Samvad' meetings across Bihar. These forums allow department officials and citizens with land-related grievances to discuss issues directly with the minister to ensure speedy resolutions. The allegations against the prominent opposition leader have inevitably injected a fresh political rivalry into the state's administrative landscape.
As the war of words escalates, the core issue remains whether a formal application for an inquiry will be submitted and how the state government will proceed. The episode underscores the deepening political fissures in Bihar, with property allegations becoming a focal point for attack and counter-attack between the ruling alliance and the principal opposition party.
