Patna: Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Thursday denied speculation that the central agencies are going slow in the cases against him and his family because the RJD has struck a deal with the BJP.
Tejashwi's clarification came when journalists asked him whether the railways is not giving permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute B.K. Agarwal, former general manager of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The CBI has named Agarwal in its chargesheet along with Lalu, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi. There has been speculation since then that the alleged delay in procuring sanctions from authorities concerned to prosecute Agarwal may weaken the case against Lalu's family.
Tejashwi denied the speculation, and stressed that the RJD will never compromise with communal forces.
"The person (read Nitish Kumar) who had fixed the match with the BJP has already left us," Lalu's younger son said. "If you see our track record, despite the conspiracy by Nitishji and BJP we have never compromised with the BJP. Till I am alive, we will never ever compromise with the communal forces. I have no conversation with anyone on this issue. I have been telling from day one that the case against me is a fake case and the FIR was lodged against me unnecessarily."
Tejashwi said that the delay in the cases may be taking place as the matter is sub-judice.
"If the CBI is under central government so is the ED (Enforcement Directorate) and I-T (income tax) and both summon me and my mother every day," he said. "It is hard to believe that the BJP will tell one agency not to bother us and tell the two other agencies to trouble us. What kind of match fixing is that! Not a single allegation of Sushil Modiji has proved true so far but if proper investigation will take place on the allegation levelled by me, Sushil Modiji would be behind bars."
Invite to Paswan
Tejashwi declared that the RJD is ready to take in Ram Vilas Paswan if the LJP chief ditches the BJP-led NDA.
"We do not have any problem with Ram Vilas Paswanji. He is not like Nitishji who cheats people. If Paswanji wants to come with us, he can take the call," Tejashwi said.
Drought demand
The RJD legislature party meeting at 5 Dehsratna Marg decided that the party will demand that the government declare the state as drought-hit.
"There is severe water scarcity due to low monsoon in Bihar and at the time sowing the farmers are facing a lot of difficulties," Teajshwi said in the meeting.
Asked about the amendments the government wants to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, he said: "First the government should release all those who are in jail under this Act. Most of them are poor and Mahadalits."
