The AAP raised concerns on Monday about the charges brought against RJD leader Lalu Yadav and his family in the IRCTC scam, suggesting that new developments were surfacing ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the involvement of various institutions like the ED, CBI, and the court in these matters, questioning the timing of such issues coinciding with election periods. He also pointed out the alleged acceptance of bribes through electoral bonds by the BJP without any actions being taken.
Recently, a Delhi court formally accused Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav of corruption, cheating, and conspiracy in connection with the IRCTC tenders and illicit land transfers. The court’s ruling, coming shortly before the upcoming Bihar elections, emphasized Lalu Yadav’s involvement in a conspiracy and misuse of his position as a public servant.
In response to the situation, AAP leader Gopal Rai emphasized the political and judicial aspects at play. He acknowledged the court’s independent proceedings based on legal norms while hinting at the public’s role in evaluating the actions of the BJP government.
The court specified that Lalu Yadav would face charges of criminal misconduct as a public servant and criminal conspiracy to commit cheating, while Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav would be accused of cheating and conspiracy to cheat.
The IRCTC case involves allegations by the CBI that during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009, Sujata Hotels secured leases for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri through a manipulated tender process. In return, land worth crores was allegedly transferred at a discounted rate to a company associated with Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, resulting in significant financial loss to the state.
The timing of the court’s decision just before the Bihar Assembly polls sets the stage for heightened tensions between the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and the Nitish Kumar-BJP coalition. This development poses a significant setback for the RJD as it prepares for the elections, potentially fueling attacks from opponents on the party’s alleged involvement in corruption.
The statements from AAP leaders hold weight as the party enters the Bihar political arena for the first time. Having distanced itself from the INDIA bloc last year, AAP aims to contest all 243 Assembly constituencies in Bihar, where the Congress and RJD play pivotal roles in the INDIA alliance. The party has already unveiled a list of 11 candidates for the Bihar polls.
Bihar is scheduled to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the election results expected to be announced on November 14.