Tejashwi Yadav, the No. 2 in Nitish Kumar’s brand-new Grand Alliance government, applauded his boss’s decision to end the alliance with the BJP today. When asked if he was concerned about action by the Enforcement Directorate, which the opposition claims is used against them for political vendetta by the BJP-led Central government, he said, “I invite the Enforcement Directorate to come and stay.”
“Allow them (investigating agencies) to set up shop in my home. I’m sending an invitation to ‘ED, CBI, Income Tax, please come and stay as long as you like.’ Why leave and then return two months later to raid us? Just stay because it’s easier’, he stated.
The Central Agency is “behaving like a BJP party cell,” according to the leader, who is facing several corruption charges. It was because of those corruption cases that Mr Kumar, dubbed Mr Clean and Mr Good Governance across the state, called off the alliance in 2017 and re-joined forces with the BJP.
This time, as Mr Kumar severed ties with the BJP, several party leaders discussed the cases against his associates.
So far, the CBI has filed cases against Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others in connection with alleged favours given to a company by the RJD chief while serving as the country’s railway minister.
Mr Kumar stated yesterday, after taking his oath, that he is not afraid of Central investigative agencies such as the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation.
In response to a question about how the alliance came about this time, Tejashwi Yadav said, “We were able to see that Nitish ji was very uncomfortable.” The BJP was attempting to impose its will on him. We could see it in his expression.
Mr Tejashwi Yadav claimed that everything began “spontaneously” and that there was “no pre-planned move.” He did, however, admit that the MLAs of the two parties had met and that they were all closely monitoring political developments. “Nitish ji resigned and persuaded our MLAs,” he explained.
When asked if Nitish Kumar is the best candidate to lead the country in 2024, Tejashwi Yadav responded, “He has previous administrative experience. Why can’t Nitish Ji do what Narendra Modi can? Anyone can become Prime Minister. If he can become PM, then anyone can.”
He also mentioned Nitish Kumar’s experience. “He has previous administrative experience. He has social skills. Except for Rajya Sabha, he has visited all of the houses. He worked as a union minister “He stated.
What is his message to the opposition? “All opposition parties must convene. Create a road map. We’ve arrived too late “said Tejashwi Yadav.
Click here for the latest news of Business, World, Politics, Sports and Technology and more… !