A significant development unfolded in a Delhi court on Friday, intensifying the political battle in Bihar. The court formally framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and other family members in the high-profile railways land-for-jobs case. This legal action prompted the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to launch a sharp offensive against the opposition leader and his kin.
NDA Seizes Moment, Launches Scathing Attack
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), swiftly capitalized on the court's decision. They labeled the charges and the accompanying court observations as extremely serious, using them to mount a political assault on the RJD's first family.
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi asserted that the court had moved beyond political allegations to establish a case based on concrete evidence. He referenced the court's reported observations, stating, "The court has said that Lalu and his family were operating like a criminal enterprise. These people committed many scams in Bihar. Bihar suffered great disrepute because of the Lalu family. RJD has no right to talk about morality."
Echoing the sentiment, JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar called the court's observation that the family was running a "criminal political syndicate" shameful. He demanded immediate resignations on moral grounds. "Lalu should resign from the post of RJD national president. Property was acquired in the name of Tejashwi alias Tarun. Land was also taken from his uncle, Mangru Rai. This list is long. Tejashwi should also resign and set an example," Kumar said.
RJD Cries Foul, Alleges Political Vendetta
The RJD, however, dismissed the framing of charges as a routine step in the legal process and part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the central government. RJD spokesman Chitranjan Gagan defended the party leadership, claiming the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) allegations were baseless.
"We will get justice after the court hearing in the case," Gagan stated. He accused the Centre of systematically harassing opposition leaders by misusing central investigative agencies, suggesting this case fit that pattern.
Internal Criticism and Legal Ramifications
Adding to the RJD's woes, JD(U) MLA and former close aide of Lalu Prasad, Shyam Rajak, expressed deep regret for his long association with the RJD chief. He advised Lalu Prasad to withdraw from politics completely and relinquish all positions, stating he was now facing the consequences of his past actions.
Rajak also directed advice at Tejashwi Yadav, suggesting he should be prepared to voluntarily accept punishment and publicly admit his mistakes.
The court has framed charges against a total of 41 accused in the case. Besides Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, their children Tej Pratap, Tejashwi, Misa Bharti, and Hema Yadav are among those named. The case revolves around allegations of irregular appointments in the Indian Railways in exchange for land parcels during Lalu Prasad's tenure as the Railway Minister.
This legal proceeding is set to deepen the political fissures in Bihar, with the NDA aiming to keep the spotlight on corruption allegations against the RJD leadership as a key political strategy.
