After maintaining silence on the issue for nearly a week, Laloo launched a tirade against the BJP government.

He accused the government of trying to spoil his vote bank and demoralise him.

For the first time, Laloo alleged the Centre was using the CBI to settle scores with him. He said, ``Since I was instrumental in pulling down the government, they are using the CBI against me. He asked why the CBI had become active again after seven months. ``It is obvious the government has conspired to put me under pressure.''

Meanwhile, sources say Rabri is being prepared for the interrogation and in principle, the government has agreed to the interrogation but attempts are still on to defer the date.

The state government has approached the CBIto fix any date next month, saying Rabri has a heavy schedule this month.

Sources say she is being prepared for the interrogation under Laloo's supervision. He has faced interrogation twice and is aware of the CBI's tactics. Rabri has also been provided with a set of questions. She has been instructed to confine herself to one-liners. Besides Laloo, the sessions are also attended by some senior advocates who guide her on legal aspects of questions. Their advice is not to provide lengthy replies as she might have to then face more questions. She has been asked to refer to the cases pending in court as often as possible, as a tactic to avoid saying much.