The Congress Thursday downplayed a special CBI court sentencing Lalu Prasad to five years in jail in a fodder scam case, saying conviction of one leader does not affect a party.
"One of the leaders getting convicted does not affect the party. The RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) has been suporting us," Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit told Times Now channel.
Another Congress leader, Shakeel Ahmad said the law was taking its own course.
"The law is taking its own course. He has the right to appeal against the order in a higher court," Ahmad told IANS.
The order comes a day after the cabinet withdrew an ordinance to save lawmakers from disqualification if convicted for two or more years, after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi vetoed it.
As a result, Lalu Prasad stands to lose his Lok Sabha seat, Saran in Bihar.
"The presiding officer of the house will decide on that," said Ahmad.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
