RJD throws weight behind Tejashwi

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday threw its support behind its presumptive heir and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi  Yadav. The party made it clear that “his resignation is out of question” over corruption charges.

“Tejashwi’s resignation was not even discussed in the meeting,” Finance Minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui told newsmen emerging from the meeting of the legislative party held at RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s house in Patna. “On the contrary, the party praised the deputy chief minister for his dedication and leadership capabilities.” 

The meeting, which lasted for almost 90 minutes, was attended by Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, also a minister. All RJD members of the legislative assembly, members of Parliament, and other senior leaders were also present.

Siddiqui added, “The CBI raid is a ploy to destabilise the grand alliance government in Bihar. These days, those who raise their voice against the BJP face such coercive acts by the central government. We’ll fight the BJP and chase them away from power.” The party asserted that with such coercive acts, the RJD would emerge much stronger.  

RJD senior Jagadanand Singh said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had called Lalu Prasad on Sunday evening but refused to divulge what transpired in the telephonic talk between them. All eyes are now fixed on Bihar Chief Minister and the Janata Dal (United).