Lalu leaves AIIMS in wheelchair, alleges foul play

A high-voltage drama broke out at AIIMS-Delhi on Monday after ailing RJD supremo Lalu Prasad was discharged and referred to a hospital in Ranchi.

The doctors described his condition “stable”. The RJD cried foul, stating that there was a "political conspiracy" behind the move.

As Lalu was moved out in a wheelchair from the hospital, over a month after he was admitted on March 29, angry party workers created a ruckus.

Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav, an RJD MP and a close associate of Lalu, alleged that AIIMS seemed to be acting under pressure from central agencies like the CBI.

In a letter to the director of AIIMS on Saturday, Lalu stated that he wanted to receive treatment at AIIMS as he has still not recovered. Asking the doctors “not to take any decision under pressure of any person or any political party,” Lalu said if there is any threat to his life because of being shifted to Ranchi, then AIIMS would be held responsible.

He cited various ailments such as heart problems, diabetes, kidney infection and high blood pressure.

Lalu's son and former deputy chief minister of Bihar, Tejaswi Yadav, tweeted questioning AIIMS: “Who is forcing AIIMS administration to send him back?”

"It seems there is a conspiracy to murder him. Why are they discharging him when he is not fit?" asked Narayan Yadav. Lalu
was admitted in a VIP room at the old private ward.

The RJD's Twitter handle said it will not tolerate any compromise with Lalu's health and that “one should not stoop down so low in politics”.

When contacted, AIIMS spokesperson Dr DN Acharaya said, “Lalu Prasad was referred from Ranchi Medical College to AIIMS for management of his acute medical condition. He has improved significantly and as per the advice of the medical board constituted for his treatment, he is being referred back to Ranchi Medical College for management of his chronic issues. He is currently stable and is fit to travel.”

However, the RJD supporters alleged that Lalu was being “forced out” of AIIMS, though he continues to suffer from various ailments.

An official in AIIMS rued that during the ruckus, the supporters broke a glass door, abused the security guards and administration officials.

Earlier in the morning, Congress president Rahul Gandhi met Lalu at AIIMS to inquire about his health.

Lalu is serving a jail term in connection with the fodder scam since December 23.