Kolkata, Oct 3 (IANS): BJP leader M.Venkaiah Naidu Thursday welcomed the five-year jail term for former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad in the fodder scam, but said his party would insist on special courts to fast-track trials of politicians in corruption cases.

The former BJP president was referring to the verdict coming after an "abnormal delay" of 17 years since the scandal came to light.

"Though justice is delayed, it is not denied. There was an abnormal delay of 17 years... if such delays take place, people will lose faith in the judicial system," Naidu told media persons here.

Describing the verdict as "expected", as it involved a "serious offence involving massive corruption", he said fast track courts were needed to try politicians in such cases.

"The lesson we have learnt is fast track courts are needed to try corruption cases against politicians. The BJP will insist in the coming session of parliament to set up special courts for politicians vis a vis corruption," he said.

Naidu also hoped the punishment will act as a deterrent for those in power from getting involved in corruption in future.

The special CBI court of Judge Pravas Kumar Singh during the day sentenced Lalu Prasad to five years in prison and a fine of Rs.25 lakh.

The sentencing took away Lalu Prasad's membership of the Lok Sabha, putting a question mark on the future of one of the country's best known politicians.