Lalu framed by Nitish Kumar, says Rabri Devi

Former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi on Thursday said her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav was a victim of political conspiracy as there was “no proof against him”.

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad was on Thursday sentenced to five years in jail and fined Rs 25 lakh for his involvement in the fodder scam.

"Laluji is a hero and will remain a hero. People not only in Bihar but across the country and abroad love him because he is champion of the marginalised, poorest of the poor and of secularism," Rabri Devi said.

“If Laluji is not a hero, why is the media focussing on him,” she said, adding that her husband was innocent. “I do not accept Laluji as guilty,” she said.

“Main kewal dukhi nahin hun, lakhon log dukhi hain pure desh duniya mein,” Rabri said in chaste Hindi.

She said that Lalu was framed in political conspiracy as there was no proof against him. “Please show me a single gawah (witness) against Lalu in the case,” Rabri said.

Rabri Devi said she would challenge the lower court order in the high court and Supreme Court. “There is strong hope for justice in the higher courts,” he said.

She said that now she will go to janata ki adalat (people's court) to seek justice for Lalu Prasad. “Police and CBI searched our house, in-laws house and relatives’ house. But did they find any money earned out of the fodder scam?” she asked.

When repeatedly questioned on who was behind the conspiracy, she said it was chief minister Nitish Kumar and others.