"If we were in BJP, we'd be like King Harishchandra": Tejashwi Yadav after appearing in Court in LARA money laundering case
Tejashwi Yadav alleges political targeting by ED and CBI during his court appearance in the LARA money laundering case.
Patna/Delhi: In a scathing attack on the central government, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav claimed that his family's legal troubles are a direct result of their political opposition to the BJP.
Appearing before Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday alongside his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and mother, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi addressed the media regarding the ongoing LARA Project money laundering case. He suggested that the scrutiny from central agencies is a selective tool used against those who challenge the ruling party.
'If we were in BJP, we'd be like King Harishchandra'
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Tejashwi Yadav used a powerful mythological metaphor to highlight what he perceives as a double standard in how investigative agencies operate.
"The court has its routine, which we keep following, and we provide whatever cooperation the court needs. But you all know this case: if we were in the BJP, we would be the epitome of honesty like King Harishchandra," Tejashwi stated.
He further alleged that the relentless pursuit by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax department is purely political. "Since we are fighting against the BJP, ED, CBI, and Income Tax are after us, but that won't make a difference. We are firmly presenting our side," he added.
Tejashwi also drew parallels to recent controversies surrounding the Election Commission, suggesting that the "masks" of various constitutional and investigative bodies would eventually be removed before the public.
Court Defers Framing of Charges to October 30
The legal proceedings on Saturday saw a delay in the formal framing of charges. Special Judge (MP-MLA cases) Prashant Kumar has deferred the matter until October 30. The court has directed the ED to seek further instructions following directions passed by the predecessor court.
The case has a complex procedural history. Previously, Special Judge Vishal Gogne, while presiding over the Rouse Avenue court, had directed the framing of money laundering charges against nine individuals, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and several others associated with LARA Projects and Sujata Hotels. However, following Judge Gogne's transfer to the Delhi High Court as Registrar (Vigilance), the formal order was reserved.
The Core of the Allegations
The LARA Project investigation is inextricably linked to the IRCTC hotel tender scam previously registered by the CBI. The central allegations involve irregularities during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as the Union Minister for Railways. According to the ED's findings, the following sequence of events is alleged:
- Tender Manipulation: It is alleged that tenders for IRCTC Hotels in Ranchi and Puri were fixed in favor of preferred bidders.
- Undervalued Land Parcels: The ED claims that land parcels belonging to successful bidders were first purchased at significantly undervalued rates by a company owned by an associate, former Union Minister P.C. Gupta.
- Transfer of Assets: These shares were subsequently sold at a minimal cost to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, allegedly acting as a way to project "unearned perks" as untainted assets.
The court had previously noted that it must determine whether the former Railway Minister and his family used their positions of power to create and project these alleged benefits as legitimate wealth. The legal battle continues as the accused prepare for the next hearing at the end of the month.