The RJD chief claimed that the BJP and RSS feared him and were hence trying to mount pressure on him
Hours after the investigation wing of the Income Tax (IT) department conducted raids and surveys at multiple locations to probe alleged benami properties linked to RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav and his kin, the veteran leader tweeted that he will not bow down but will fight fascist forces till his last breath.
Lalu's tweet, however, created a flutter in the political circles when he said, "BJP ko naye alliance partners mubarak ho", fueling speculations of rift within the Mahagathbandhan. On Monday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said that if the BJP has proof against Lalu, they should move court or get it investigated, as the Companies Act is a Central law and not under the purview of the state government.
However, shortly after the first tweet, Lalu as well as party spokesperson Manoj Jha, clarified that by "BJP's new alliance partners", Lalu meant the government machinery and agencies such as IT department, Enforcement Directorate and CBI. "The Mahagathabdhan is rock solid. It is time that more parties of similar ideology join it," Lalu said.
Lalu in his series of tweets, said, "The BJP does not have courage to suppress Lalu's voice. If they try to subdue one Lalu, crores of Lalus will rise. I will not be afraid of their hollow threats." He also targeted the media asking which were the 22 locations that had been raided, as being reported by a section of the media.
The RJD chief claimed that the BJP and RSS feared him and were hence trying to mount pressure on him. "But, Lalu has never lost or got tired. I have also fought like an invincible fighter and won," he added.
Lalu found some support in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who in response to Lalu's August 27 anti-BJP rally call, said, "Lalu ji we accept your invitation to be there on August 27. We will be there."
Alliance partner and JD(U) president, Nitish, too appeared to be with Lalu. "No one knows what is the purpose of these raids. Unless we know that, nothing can be said. The media is reporting that 22 locations have been raided, which are those 22 locations," Nitish said, on the sidelines of Bihar cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. Lalu's minister sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav also attended the cabinet meeting, but did not reply to the queries pitched forth by media persons.
"On Monday, Nitish had said if there was proof then investigation should be done. Now it is happening."
— Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister & President, Lok Janashakti Party
...& ANALYSIS
- It’s high time that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar take a stand on the IT raids to probe into the alleged benami deals worth Rs 1000 crore involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad and others.
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