(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)

In a significant blow to the Rashtriya Janata Dal's key members just weeks before the crucial elections in Bihar, a court in Delhi today announced charges in a corruption case against Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is the party's founder, his son Tejashwi Yadav, who is in line to become Chief Minister, and Lalu Yadav's wife, Rabri Devi, who was a former Chief Minister. The experienced politician and his family claimed they are innocent and will stand trial.

A court at Rouse Avenue today brought charges against Lalu Yadav and his family under laws concerning cheating and criminal conspiracy, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act. Lalu Yadav, along with others including Tejashwi Yadav, declared themselves innocent; Rabri Devi asserted that the allegations are "incorrect." The case revolves around accusations of corruption related to the award of maintenance contracts for IRCTC hotels while Lalu Yadav served as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. It is claimed that the maintenance contract for two IRCTC hotels, BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri, was given to Sujata Hotel. The CBI has stated that in exchange for this contract, Lalu Yadav received three acres of valuable land through a proxy company.

The CBI lodged a complaint against Lalu Yadav and his family members in 2017. The CBI informed the Delhi court that there is enough evidence to lay charges against everyone involved. Lalu Yadav's lawyer contended that there is no substantial evidence for the charges and insisted that the tenders were granted properly. The court pointed out that "likely fraud must be treated as cheating" and emphasized that the loss to the government is a real financial loss, not just a term. "The conspiracy is intricate, but it is not hidden from the court," it observed. The court remarked that initial investigation results indicate that Lalu Yadav conspired with the other defendants and misused his position to influence the process of issuing and awarding tenders in exchange for the underpriced purchase of land. The court's decision is a significant disadvantage for the RJD as it prepares for the Bihar Assembly elections. This ruling is likely to encourage the RJD's opponents to increase their political attacks regarding the corruption matter.