The JDU and BJP on Tuesday attacked RJD chief Lalu Prasad when he sought more time from the CBI to appear before the agency for quizzing in connection with the land for hotel scam in which the central agency lodged an FIR against him and his family members in July.

JDU spokesperson Niraj Kumar claimed Lalu was afraid of the central agencies. 'Lalu becomes timid during trial in the CBI court and starts seeking fresh dates when the CBI calls him,' Niraj said.

Sources said Lalu sought a fresh date from the CBI, which had called him to Delhi on Tuesday. This is the third time Lalu has sought fresh dates from the agency. He was first called on September 11 but didn't turn up, citing an ongoing case in Ranchi where his presence was required. The CBI accepted his request and asked him to come to Delhi on September 25, but Lalu again sought more time and was asked to come on October 3.

Niraj also called Lalu 'Twitter Baba' for being active on Twitter. He said Lalu and his kin should also update their Twitter followers on the status of the cases they were facing.

Bihar health minister and BJP leader Mangal Pandey slammed Lalu for passing adverse comments against the NDA government in Bihar and said he and his family members become uncomfortable when the CBI calls them and start talking 'rubbish' when they get fresh dates.

He said Lalu should first face the charges against him before issuing statements against the NDA government in the state.