Tejashwi Yadav Responds to Court Charges: "Elections Coming, People Are Watching" as Bihar Political Battle Intensifies

"Elections Coming, People Are Watching": Tejashwi Yadav On Court Setback

Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have pleaded not guilty in the corruption case against them.

Following the Delhi court's decision to frame charges in a corruption case against him and his family members, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav suggested that such legal developments were expected as Bihar elections approach, adding that "the people of Bihar are watching."

"Elections are approaching, so these kinds of things will happen... We will reach our destination. The people of Bihar are watching," stated Tejashwi after the Rouse Avenue court framed charges including cheating and criminal conspiracy against him, his father and RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav, and his mother and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. All three have declared themselves 'not guilty' and committed to facing trial.

The case centers on alleged corruption in the allocation of maintenance contracts for IRCTC hotels during Lalu Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. Prosecutors claim that maintenance contracts for BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri hotels were awarded to Sujata Hotel, and in exchange, Lalu Yadav allegedly received three acres of valuable land through a benami company.

The CBI initiated an FIR against Lalu Yadav and his family in 2017, arguing before the Delhi court that sufficient evidence existed to frame charges against all accused. Lalu Yadav's legal team contended that there was insufficient material to support charges and that the tenders were awarded properly.

Today's court ruling has intensified political attacks from RJD's opponents ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The BJP's Bihar unit claimed the court has acknowledged that Lalu Yadav orchestrated the IRCTC scam, stating, "Bihar knows he misappropriated public funds. The people will respond accordingly."

Tejashwi has vowed to continue opposing the BJP while it remains in power. "It's enjoyable to battle storms. We have chosen the path of struggle, and we will achieve our goal. We will fight and triumph; we are Biharis, we do not fear Baharis (outsiders)," he declared.

The 'outsider' comment targets the BJP, as Tejashwi's party attempts to position itself as a local political force while characterizing the BJP as foreign, implying that its regional leaders follow directions from the central leadership in Delhi.