Bihar’s fiery opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav made headlines on Monday by denying involvement in the CBI’s Land for Jobs corruption case during his court appearance at Rouse Avenue. Choosing to fight the charges head-on rather than accepting them, Yadav has paved the way for a full trial starting March 9, escalating the scrutiny on the influential Lalu family.
This scandal revolves around alleged irregularities during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. According to the CBI chargesheet, aspiring candidates’ families handed over valuable land plots in Bihar in return for securing railway jobs. These properties, spanning multiple districts, ended up registered under Lalu kin, suggesting a deep-rooted network of quid pro quo deals.
The court had previously described the family’s operations as akin to an organized crime ring, summoning key members including Rabri Devi and sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap for charge framing. Tejashwi, who skipped a prior date, arrived promptly this week, vociferously proclaiming his innocence and labeling the case a vendetta driven by political foes.
Outside the courtroom, Yadav kept his responses brief, affirming his trust in the judiciary while dodging questions about Tej Pratap’s explosive claims against RJD insiders. The elder Yadav sibling, leading a splinter group, accused party veterans of betrayal just a day earlier, adding layers of intra-family and party tension.
With Bihar’s political landscape heating up, the outcome of this trial could reshape alliances and narratives ahead of future elections. Tejashwi’s bold stance underscores his determination to clear his name, but the road ahead promises intense legal and public battles.