A single gift has set off a political storm in Bihar. The controversy traces back to the birthday of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, on which former Chief Minister Rabri Devi presented a diamond-studded bangle to Bhojpuri singer Chhotu Chhalia. That bangle has now become the centre of an opposition attack, triggering a fresh round of allegations.
JDU MLC Writes to the EOU
Neeraj Kumar, a Member of the Legislative Council from Nitish Kumar's JDU, has taken the matter to the Economic Offences Unit (EOU). In a formal letter, he has demanded an investigation, asking pointedly how much the bangle cost and how the payment for it was made. He has urged the agency to take appropriate action in the case.
What Neeraj Kumar Said
Backing his demand with a statement, Neeraj Kumar said, "On the occasion of the birthday of honourable Lalu Prasad ji, Rabri Devi ji gave a bangle to Bhojpuri singer Chhotu Chhalia, who has long been in the service of honourable Lalu Prasad ji and his family. Chhotu Chhalia's claim is that this is a diamond bangle. Where did this diamond bangle come from? What is its source? Where is its receipt? What is its market price? And on the basis of the various laws — the Income Tax Act 1961, the Benami Transactions Act 1988, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 — and the various pieces of evidence available, the Economic Offences Unit should investigate the entire matter seriously. Since corruption and the creation of illegal assets is the political destiny of the Lalu family, who gave this diamond bangle and to whom? Details of all of this should be provided, and it must certainly be investigated."
Citing the Income Tax Act 1961, the Benami Transactions Act 1988 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002, he argued that the probe should rest on the evidence available on record.
The Singer Himself Called It 'Priceless'
What gives the row its edge is that Chhotu Chhalia, who has been associated with Lalu Yadav and his family for a long time, received the bangle as a birthday gift — and described it himself as 'priceless'. It was after the singer's own remark that the gift shot into the headlines and became a talking point.
JDU Presses On, RJD Stays Silent
The JDU has been persistently demanding a probe, arguing that people in public life ought to disclose the source of any valuable items they receive as gifts. The RJD, on the other hand, has so far offered no response to the entire controversy.
