Fodder scam: Tejashwi links Lalu Prasad’s sentencing to fight against BJP, RSS

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav was being persecuted and is under attack for his politics

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after his father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s sentencing in a corruption case, saying it was a result of the latter’s fight against the ruling party and its ideological fountainhead Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad. (ANI)

A special court in Ranchi on Monday sentenced Lalu, 74, to five-year imprisonment and fined him ₹60 lakh for illegally withdrawing ₹139.35 crore from a treasury. Lalu was earlier sentenced for varying terms in four other cases related to similar withdrawals in the fodder scam, ranging from three-and-a-half to seven years. He has been out on bail as the final case related to fraudulent withdrawals is under trial.

“If Lalu ji would have shaken hands with the BJP, he would have been called Raja Harishchandra, but today he is fighting against RSS- BJP. Hence, he is facing imprisonment. We will not get scared,” said Tejashwi.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed him. “The key aspect of BJP’s politics is that those who don’t bend before it are persecuted in every way. Lalu Prasad Yadav is under attack because of this politics. I hope he gets justice,” she tweeted.

BJP leader Nikhil Anand said the court’s decision should be respected. “Considering the age and health of the RJD chief, there is definitely sympathy, but the court works on the basis of evidence. The BJP has fought against the corruption of RJD... The RJD may curse BJP for Lalu ji’s condition, but in reality, it is the Congress that is responsible for his condition. The BJP fights political and ideological battles but does not indulge in personal enmity in politics. Tejashwi must be aware and should stay away from the Congress.”