Land-for-Jobs Probe: ED Summons Lalu Prasad, Political Battle Heats Up

New Delhi : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The case, which has been under scrutiny for months, involves allegations that land parcels were acquired in exchange for employment during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister.

A large number of RJD supporters gathered outside the ED office to express their solidarity with Prasad, chanting slogans against the central government and alleging that the investigation is politically motivated. The atmosphere remained charged as the veteran leader was accompanied by his family members, including his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his son Tej Pratap Yadav. Both Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap were also questioned by the ED in connection with the case.

Prasad’s younger son and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav strongly criticized the ED’s actions, terming the probe as an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of key political battles. “The more we are harassed, the stronger we shall become,” Tejashwi stated, accusing the ruling party at the Centre of misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents.

The land-for-jobs case pertains to allegations that individuals were given jobs in the Indian Railways in exchange for transferring their land to associates of Lalu Prasad’s family. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initially took up the probe, and the ED later stepped in to investigate the alleged money laundering aspect of the scam. Several key figures associated with the RJD have already been questioned, and properties linked to the Prasad family have been raided in the past.

The timing of the ED’s summons has raised concerns within the opposition, especially with elections around the corner. RJD leaders have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of orchestrating the probe to damage the party’s electoral prospects in Bihar. Opposition leaders, including members of the INDIA bloc, have extended their support to Prasad and his family, calling the investigation an example of “political vendetta.”