RJD chief Lalu Prasad calls Nitish's Vikas Samiksha Yatra a scam, demands probe

PATNA: RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday launched a scathing attack on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's ongoing "Vikas Samiksha Yatra", calling it a scam. Lalu demanded a probe in CM's Yatra, alleging that Rs 10 crore from the funds were spent in every district visited by him.

Nitish Kumar started Vikas Samiksha Yatra on December 12 from Bagaha in West Champaran. He would be visiting 37 districts in seven phases that will end on January 18. The Yatra would predict the review of government schemes and party's progress, apart from promoting the campaign against dowry and child marriages.

Showing government documents in support of his allegations, Lalu claimed that 4,000 Jeevika workers were brought in every Yatra meet and were paid Rs 75.

"Apart from the 4,000 women, who were paid Rs 75 each for attending CM's public meets, a lot of other expenses like travel, accommodation were also met using the funds. An estimated Rs 10 crore was spent in each district visited by the CM, who is least interested in welfare works and providing benefits of government schemes to common people. It is Vikas Yatra Sameeksha Ghotala," Lalu said.

The RJD chief added that a fair and independent probe should be conducted on the government expenses being incurred in the Yatra. "The CM makes political statements and JD(U) flags are put up in the public meets in the Yatra, which is organised utilising government funds. There should be thorough financial probe on these Yatras," Lalu said.

Lalu added that only selected villages, which were or will be visited by the CM under the Yatra, will receive a facelift and there was minimal progress in government schemes in other villages. "There is growing unrest among people as no work is being done and BJP has dominated governance. It is due to this reason that CM is facing protests at his public meets," Lalu said.

On being asked to comment on Congress president Sonia Gandhi's retirement on Friday, Lalu said: "No one retires from politics. She would continue to guide Congress. Besides, the Grand Alliance (of Opposition parties) would become stronger under the leadership of Congress with Rahul Gandhi."

Lalu added that he talked to Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leader Hardik Patel on Friday, who told him," Congress is going to win in Gujarat assembly elections."