Patna, Feb 22 (TIWN): A day after a special CBI Court in Ranchi sentenced RJD chief Lalu Prasad to five years imprisonment and imposed a Rs 60 lakh fine on him, RJD vice president Shivanand Tiwari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was also "involved" in the fodder scam and had "taken the money from the kingpin Shyam Bihari Sinha".

Tiwari's statement came after Nitish Kumar said that the leaders who were involved in filing the petition against Lalu Prasad, are working as advisors of the party and sitting close to him.

"Nitish Kumar has become vocal these days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave him the socialist leader certificate. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi had alleged that Nitish Kumar was also involved in the fodder scam and took money after illegal withdrawal from the treasuries of Jharkhand (then Bihar). Does Nitish Kumar have the guts to admit the allegation levelled by Sushil Kumar Modi. I am also challenging Sushil Kumar Modi to repeat the allegation he had levelled on Nitish Kumar again," Tiwari told IANS.

"Shyam Bihari Sinha was the kingpin of the fodder scam. Can Nitish Kumar deny that he has not met Shyam Bihari Sinha in his entire life. I am challenging that he had close links with Shyam Bihari and took bribe in this case," Tiwari said.

Tiwari said that he has no hesitation in saying that he was one of the petitioners against Lalu Prasad in the court to demand a CBI inquiry into the matter.