Bihar politics: CBI raids 3 RJD senior leaders, speaker from BJP quits ahead of Nitish Kumar's test of strength

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, carried out raids at the residence of three Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MPs Ahmad Ashfaque Karim, Dr Faiyaz Ahmad, and a Member of Legislative Council in Bihar, Sunil Singh.

The raids were carried out due to a matter that pertained to the land-for-jobs case, which had alleged discrepancies during Lalu Yadav’s UPA-1st term.

The CBI raid came on the day when Nitish Kumar’s JDU and Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD alliance planned for the motion of a floor test after the JDU cut ties with the BJP. Sunil Singh, whose residence was raided, stated that the raid was being carried out intentionally and suggested that they are doing it in with the hopes that the MLAs will jump ships out of fear.

Former Bihar Cheif Minister, Rabri Devi stated that the BJP is scared as a new government has been formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar while noting that all parties, except for BJP are with them. She further echoed Sunil Singh’s sentiments and added that the party is not scared as this isn’t happening for the first time.

Against the backdrop of raids, the Bihar Assembly speaker, Vijay Singh Sinha announced his resignation from the post. His removal schedule was moved up by the suggestion of the Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar.

Earlier, Vijay Singh Sinha had refused to resign from his position as he informed the press that RJD legislators had not served him the no-confidence motion timely. And he will abide by the guideline of a 14-day gap period, which according to the BJP would be a strong statement.

An RJD spokesperson had predict the future a day before the raids and had tweeted, proclaiming that CBI and other central agencies are planning for raids because the BJP is furious over losing power in Bihar. He also added that Wednesday will be an important day.