New Delhi [India], October 13 : Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Monday strongly criticised the BJP, accusing them of "targeting political rivals" after Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against former Bihar CMs Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and their son Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC hotel corruption case.
"They (BJP) target political rivals and carry out all this... The government in power in this country constantly harasses its political opponents, whether through the ED, the CBI, or the courts. But all this will have no impact on the Bihar elections; it will have the opposite effect," Akhilesh Prasad Singh said.
Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav reacted to the charges framed by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court and said that they would continue fighting for the case.
Speaking to reporters here, Yadav called it a 'political vendetta', further stating that Lalu Prasad Yadav had been known as a historic Railways minister and that the people of Bihar and the country are aware of the truth.
"... We will fight this case. We have been saying this from the beginning that since the elections are coming, all this will happen. We respect the verdict of the court. We will fight the case... The people of Bihar are smart, and they know what is happening. All this is a political vendetta," he said.
"The person who gave Rs 90,000 crore in profit to the Railways, who always reduced fares in every budget. He has been known as a historic Railway Minister. Students from Harvard and IIM came to study from Lalu ji. He has been known as the Management Guru. The people of Bihar and the country know the truth. I will keep fighting with the BJP as long as I am alive..." Yadav told reporters here.
The Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in criminal Conspiracy and sections related to other offences in the IRCTC hotel corruption case.
This case pertains to alleged corruption in the tender of two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Railway Minister.
Special judge (CBI) framed charges against Former Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other Accused persons. They appeared physically before the court.
The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy.
The order was pronounced in open court, and the court will upload a detailed order. The court said that there is sufficient ground to frame charges against all 14 accused persons.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has pleaded not guilty and stated that he will face the trial.