JD (U) in fix over scam tainted leaders
4 Oct 2013 5:16 AM IST
Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United is in a dilemma on whether or not to act against two of its senior leaders convicted in the fodder scam.
JD-U MP Jagdish Sharma and Jagannath Mishra, a former Bihar chief minister, were among 45 people convicted on 30 September in the fodder scam by a special CBI court in Ranchi.
Both were sent to jail along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who too was held guilty.
The JD-U leadership seems to be in two minds on taking action against the two in view of the general elections due next year.
‘Thanks to Lalu, the two convicted JD-U leaders hardly get any space in the media,’ a JD-U leader said.
In Bihar’s caste ridden politics, the JD-U is in no hurry to act against Sharma and Mishra. Both are from the upper castes.
Sharma belongs to the powerful Bhumihar caste while Mishra is a Brahmin. Both castes enjoy political and socio-economic clout in the state.
Though Bhumihars account for only 2.5 to 3 percent of Bihar’s population, they are known to influence others in voting.
Till a few months ago, they were strong supporters of chief minister Nitish Kumar. But no more.
JD-U MP Jagdish Sharma and Jagannath Mishra, a former Bihar chief minister, were among 45 people convicted on 30 September in the fodder scam by a special CBI court in Ranchi.
Both were sent to jail along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who too was held guilty.
The JD-U leadership seems to be in two minds on taking action against the two in view of the general elections due next year.
‘Thanks to Lalu, the two convicted JD-U leaders hardly get any space in the media,’ a JD-U leader said.
In Bihar’s caste ridden politics, the JD-U is in no hurry to act against Sharma and Mishra. Both are from the upper castes.
Sharma belongs to the powerful Bhumihar caste while Mishra is a Brahmin. Both castes enjoy political and socio-economic clout in the state.
Though Bhumihars account for only 2.5 to 3 percent of Bihar’s population, they are known to influence others in voting.
Till a few months ago, they were strong supporters of chief minister Nitish Kumar. But no more.
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