Lalu’s troubles

THE CBI raids on Lalu Prasad and his family members have served the BJP’s desired political purpose. The crackdown on corruption may be selective and confined to non-BJP-ruled states, these do create media hype in favour of the government. Ahead of a major political rally in Patna, the RJD chief has been put on the defensive. Lalu Prasad may be the direct, easy target, the not-so-hidden agenda is to make it difficult for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to continue his political partnership with a perceived corrupt leadership. The issue on which Nitish Kumar had snapped ties with the BJP – the leadership of Narendra Modi – is still alive. But Nitish’s recent gestures do indicate a change of heart.  

Since only courts can have access to all the relevant facts and supportive evidence to take a call on which of the conflicting claims about the raids is correct, at this stage only political implications of the CBI action can be assessed. For Lalu Prasad and his family it is a battle for political survival since a conviction would mean an end of the road for most in the family. Already because of a conviction in the fodder scam Lalu Prasad stands barred from contesting elections. It will not be easy for Bihar’s veteran leader to build a credible alternative narrative about their collective innocence. Almost every out-of-power leader takes shelter behind the “political vendetta” charge when cornered for corruption.

While the Congress and the TMC have lost no time in declaring their support for the beleaguered RJD family, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s silence over the CBI raids has been noticed. At the time of the CBI raids he was conveniently away to Rajgir. It is possible he may opt to brazen out the controversy till at least a charge sheet is filed, which may take at least two months. But that would come at a cost. If he stands by his coalition partners in their hour of need, his fiercely guarded reputation for clean governance and intolerance for corruption would get besmirched. The alternative path would take him to the door of the BJP. It is a tough choice.