On January 19, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a renewed summons for the former Chief Minister of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and his son Tejashwi Yadav, in connection with the land-for-jobs case. The developments on Monday saw Lalu Prasad Yadav enduring 10 hours of questioning at the ED office in Patna, accompanied by his daughter Misa Bharti. The situation unfolded with allegations of inhumane treatment, protests, and political mudslinging.
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
Rohini Acharya, Lalu Yadav’s daughter based in Singapore, criticized the ED’s treatment of her father, claiming inhumane behavior for not allowing any assistant to accompany him. Misa Bharti, who accompanied her father, alleged that she was prevented from entering the ED office with him. She highlighted her father’s health condition, having undergone a kidney transplant surgery and being unable to stand or sit on his own.
While Misa initially stated that she was not allowed to enter with her father, later, she mentioned being permitted to give medicines to Lalu. Rohini Acharya further alleged inhuman behavior by ED officers, expressing frustration over the treatment meted out to her father.
Land-for-Jobs Scam Background
Lalu Prasad Yadav is being questioned in connection with the Land for Job scam, alleged to have occurred during his tenure as the Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. The chargesheet includes the names of other family members, including his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti.
The scam revolves around the transfer of lands owned by job candidates and their families to Lalu’s family in exchange for appointments in the Railways. The CBI filed the chargesheet last year, asserting that recruits were first appointed as substitutes in Group D posts in the Railways and later regularized after their families made land deals.
ED Interrogation and Political Backlash
The ED questioned Lalu Prasad Yadav for 10 hours on Monday in connection with money laundering linked to the land-for-jobs scam. The interrogation took place amidst intense protests by RJD supporters, who accused central agencies of being misused ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The political heat intensified with the ED summoning Lalu’s son, Tejashwi Yadav, on the following day. Misa Bharti criticized the ED summons, claiming it to be a political move by the BJP-led Centre.
Political Reactions and Protests
RJD leader Manoj Jha accused the central agencies of acting on behalf of the BJP and predicted that such actions would persist until the next general elections in 2024. Supporters gathered outside the ED office, chanting slogans and expressing solidarity with Lalu Prasad Yadav.
On the other hand, the BJP dismissed RJD’s claims, stating that the central government’s aim is to ensure that corruption is tackled, and the guilty are held accountable.
The unfolding events highlight not only the legal implications of the land-for-jobs case but also the political tensions and accusations surrounding the investigation. As the saga continues, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence the political landscape in Bihar and beyond.