Despite conviction, Lalu is functioning the same: Sushil Kumar Modi

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the centre stage for completing three years in office, another Modi, former deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, is hogging the limelight for exposing benami land deal scams allegedly linked to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Jog, Modi also criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his silence and said the BJP will run a campaign across the state.

What was the trigger for targeting Lalu Prasad Yadav now?

It all started after the local press carried stories relating to the transfer of soil, being excavated from the site of an upcoming mega mall, to the local zoo. The mall will be spread over 8 lakh sq ft. Our investigations subsequently revealed that the mall, with a 5-star hotel, is being developed by LARA Construction, which is linked to Lalu Yadav’s family. The orders for the soil transfer were given by Lalu’s son and Bihar’s Minister for Environment and Forest Tej Pratap Yadav. The BJP demanded a thorough probe into the soil transfer scam, though there has been no action yet. However, the construction of the mall, which had started without a green signal, has been stopped by the Centre till further orders.

How did you track the land deals involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and the family-run companies?

Our party members researched further and dug out details from the Registrar of Companies and other sources. We produced substantial documentary evidence. They are all benami properties. It was further revealed that there were quid pro dealings of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Union Railway Minister during 2004 and 2009 and transfer of companies and properties to the Yadav clan by those who were benefited due to decisions taken by the RJD chief in his capacity as the minister. It is clearly a scam.

Despite his conviction in the multi-crore fodder scam, Lalu Prasad Yadav has refused to make any amends in his style of working. He has spoiled his own political career and now he has spoiled the career of his sons, Tej Pratap and Tejaswi, who are ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar.

Why are Nitish Kumar and the Congress silent so far?

Naturally, Nitsh Kumar is protecting Lalu Prasad Yadav as the RJD’s support is quite crucial for his government’s survival. Similarly, the Congress is one of the constituents of the Mahagathabandhan. Both have not uttered a single word in Lalu Prasad Yadav’s defence.