Patna: In response to the Enforcement Directorate’s summons for questioning in the land-for-jobs case, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav expressed his views with a touch of sarcasm, and said that the investigating agencies are operating under external pressures from the government.
In a taunting remark to ANI, Tejashwi Yadav said, ” What is the fault of these poor agencies? They are also under pressure. Now this is routine, and this will continue.”
#WATCH | Patna: On ED's summon, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav says, "I have been going since always, it's a routine. I have gone earlier as well. From 2017 to 2023, I have been going regularly whether ED, Income Tax or CBI called me. What would these agencies do, they are also… pic.twitter.com/hGCRw0Huz5
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023
He said that such summons had become a regular occurrence for him and his family, stating, “We have always been going; this is routine. We have gone before also. From 2017 to 2023, we went continuously, whether ED or Income Tax or CBI called.”
Yadav further commented on the predicament faced by the agency personnel, asserting, “We had already told you that the fault lies not with the agency people; there is pressure on them. But one thing was already decided. Our statement also came true that the elections should end in three states. After that, the agencies will focus on Bihar, Jharkhand, and Delhi.”
The accusations stem from the alleged actions of Lalu Prasad Yadav during his tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, where he is accused of acquiring people’s land and providing them with jobs in return. Tejashwi Yadav’s mother, Rabri Devi, is also implicated as a co-accused in this case.
On October 4, 2023, the court granted bail to all three individuals involved in the case, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.