LALU CHAPTER NEARING CLOSURE

You may despise politics but cannot ignore it. Despite visible discrepancies, the politicians do not admit to have committed any mistake and continue to indulge in their nasty affairs. Today, the CBI court at Ranchi gave its verdict in the Fodder Scam, convicting 44 accused including Lalu Yadav. Will he admit that he had committed huge defalcation of public money ? His sons are accusing that the RJD supremo had fallen a victim to a conspiracy. Both these youngsters might not have started learning alphabets when this notorious scam surfaced some 17 years ago. Even the present Lalu bête noire Nitish at that time was his very close camp follower. They have declared and we also know that the defence lawyers are sure to move the High Court. In the wake of howling documentary proofs, even the higher courts may decide to uphold the decision.

  Different politicians have come out with statements on expected lines. When Nitish was approached by the mediamen, he refused to comment on a court decision. A local BJP leader, however hinted that in some remaining such cases, Nitish also is destined to face the music. Some distant fear appears writ large on his face today. Internally he must be feeling happy that Lalu has left the field open for him. Lalu’s discomfiture is likely to decimate his political ally, Lok Janshakti Party of RV Paswan. We feel, Nitish should not ignore the looming Modi wave.

Now the automatic question is, who after Lalu. Most probably, when the court announces the punishment, the jail term would be long enough to debar him from the Lok Sabha membership. The law has different angles. It says that in case of heinous crimes like rape and corruptin, even the one-day jail is sufficient to disqualify anybody from contesting any elections. The RJD leaders and cadres are aware of this bolt from the blue. They did not favour Lalu’s son or wife to don the mantle as that will smack of family rule. They approached senior leaders, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Prabhunath Singh. They turned down the offer as they know when the chief ministership was to be decided, Rabri Devi became the only choice. Now when the party is in soup, they are trying to woo these senior Rjput leaders. Ultimately, once again she has been given the charge. The most agonizing possibility appears to be the fragmentation of Lalu empire. Developments will be worth watching.