Hours after the Income Tax raids on his alleged benami (proxy) properties, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad tweeted that he would not be cowed by such frightening actions and also “congratulated BJP for its new alliance partners”. However, he did not elaborate who the “new alliance partners” were.
“BJP has no courage to suppress Lalu’s voice… if Lalu’s voice will be suppressed thousands of Lalu would rise in the country...I’m not to be cowed down with such frightening moves,” Prasad tweeted.
In his next immediate tweet, he said, “ BJP ko naye alliance partners mubarak ho…Lalu Prasad Jhukane aur darne wala nahi hai…jab tak aakhiri saans hai fasiwadi takato ke khilaph ladta rahunga (congratulations to the BJP on new alliance partners…Lalu Prasad would not be cowed down…will fight against Fascist forces till my last breath).”
But, minutes later, RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha tweeted that his (Mr. Prasad’s) indications were towards the I-T Department and the CBI. However, political observers said Mr. Prasad had indicated towards his ruling alliance partner, the JD(U).
In yet another tweet, he asked “educated illiterates” to let him know which were the 22 locations where the (I-T) raids were carried out?. “Tell me all educated illiterates which are the 22 locations where raids have been conducted? Lalu is not afraid of the BJP supported media and their alliance units ( sarkari tota ),” he said.
Reacting to Mr. Prasad’s tweets, senior State BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who first exposed the alleged fraudulent land deals done by Mr. Prasad and his family members, tweeted: “Lalu ji, as you sow, so shall you reap ( Laluji boyaa ped babool ka to aam kahan se hoyee?) ”
Talking to journalists on Tuesday, Mr. Modi took on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too. He said, “ Nitish Kumar chahte hain ki saanp bhi mar jaye aur lathi bhi na tute [Nitish Kumar wants to have such developments in his favour without doing anything].”
Mr. Kumar on Monday asked the BJP to take the legal course on their charges against Mr. Prasad, if they have substance.
Several senior RJD leaders reached 10, Circular Road, the residence of Mr. Prasad to express their solidarity with him. Party insiders told The Hindu that Mr. Prasad, though dejected, was chatting with party leaders putting on a brave face to them. A pall of gloom has prevailed inside the sprawling bungalow with no family members in sight.
