Q: What’s your take on the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi?
A: I believe that Yatra was ineffective. The public doesn’t consider the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) a significant issue. While I initially shared concerns about the Election Commission’s timeline for completing the SIR before the Assembly elections, considering the public’s reaction and the Supreme Court’s involvement, it’s clear this isn’t a pressing concern for voters now. Rahul Gandhi attempted to gain political mileage, but it didn’t resonate with the people. In my view, he started with nothing and achieved nothing with it.
Q: Given that Nitish Kumar has served as Chief Minister for two decades, why do you believe voters will support him again? Won’t anti-incumbency play a significant role in Bihar?
A: Typically, after 15 or 20 years in power, a leader or alliance faces strong anti-incumbency. However, Bihar presents a unique situation. I’ve travelled to many villages where residents expressed dissatisfaction with certain uncompleted tasks over the past two decades. Yet, when I asked who they trust to get the job done, they consistently pointed to the NDA government. People still believe that because Nitish Kumar has delivered in the past, he will continue to do so. While some degree of anti-incumbency might be present, it won’t be decisive because public trust in the NDA government, Prime Minister Modi, and Nitish ji remains strong.
Q: Are you confident that Nitish Kumar will retain the Chief Minister’s position if the NDA secures victory?
A: Absolutely, I am 100% certain. There is no ambiguity on this matter. The upcoming Bihar elections will be contested under Nitish ji’s leadership, and the next government will unequivocally be formed with him at the helm. There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ about it.
Q: The opposition frequently raises concerns about Nitish Kumar’s health, suggesting he’s not physically or mentally capable of governing the state. How do you respond to these allegations?
A: These claims are utter nonsense. The opposition lacks substantial issues to highlight, so they resort to such baseless allegations. His health is not at all as the opposition portrays it. He consistently engages in government programs daily, whether inaugurations, foundation stone ceremonies, or review meetings. If a Chief Minister is actively working for 16 to 18 hours a day, asserting that he isn’t fit is simply absurd.
Q: You’ve often mentioned that Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, should consider a career in politics. Could you elaborate on that?
A: I never stated that he should enter politics. My point was that Nitish ji carries two significant responsibilities. First, he has diligently served the state as Chief Minister for the past two decades, and it’s essential for the people to continue benefiting from his leadership, thus he should remain CM. Second, as the national president of the Janata Dal (United), he also has a responsibility towards the party’s future. How he addresses this dual responsibility is entirely his decision; I merely offered it as a suggestion.
Q: What’s your assessment of Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj party? Do you view him as a significant contender in the upcoming Assembly elections?
A: In the current political landscape of Bihar, I foresee the electoral contest solely between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. I don’t perceive any other force challenging these two, making any discussion about him irrelevant at this moment.
Q: How many seats is the Rashtriya Lok Morcha expecting to contest as part of the NDA alliance?
A: I’m unable to disclose the exact number of seats the RLM will contest to the media at this stage. This will be deliberated within the appropriate party forums, and I will share the details once discussions are concluded.
Q: Other NDA partners, like Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, have publicly stated they won’t compromise on “respectable seats.” What exactly constitutes a “respectable seat” in your view?
A: Only they can define what ‘respectable seats’ mean to them. I cannot speak to how many seats uphold someone’s honor or what number of seats equates to respect. Those are their statements, and I choose not to comment on them.
Q: To rephrase, what would you personally consider a “respectable number of seats” for your party?
A: You’re asking the same question in a different way, and my answer remains consistent: these matters will be discussed internally at the negotiating table, not publicly.
Q: Regarding the election, you recently made a statement implying that if you were to “drown,” everyone else with you would also “drown.” Could you clarify this?
A: I never said I would deliberately take everyone down with me. My analogy was more about shared fate. Imagine if the roof of this room collapses; it wouldn’t just injure you or me individually, but both of us. In that context, I was illustrating that we are all on the same boat, and if that boat were to sink, we would all face the consequences together, irrespective of whose fault it might be.
Q: You have a reputation as a leader who prioritizes his own political survival. Is there any scenario where you might consider leaving the NDA if circumstances shift?
A: I am inherently an optimistic person and don’t dwell on negative hypotheticals. Why entertain assumptions? I firmly believe that positive outcomes will prevail. Therefore, contemplating a purely imagined scenario like that holds no relevance for me.
Q: How are the NDA’s preparations progressing for the upcoming Assembly elections?
A: Our preparations are at 100%, and we are simply awaiting the Election Commission’s formal notification. The moment the announcement is made, we will fully engage in the electoral campaign. The NDA is robustly prepared across all 243 seats in Bihar. We will contest unitedly, and the NDA is confident of winning the election.
Q: The opposition frequently alleges that the Constitution is under threat and that the Modi government intends to dismantle the reservation system. What are your thoughts on these accusations?
A: The opposition also previously claimed that the central government wouldn’t conduct a caste census, but now it will proceed. What the opposition says is largely inconsequential; they constantly make such statements for political gain and to divert public attention. The foundations of the Constitution, established by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, are incredibly strong – no one dares to even challenge them. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, it remains untouchable, and the nation thrives because of this very Constitution.
Q: What key issues will the NDA highlight when campaigning for votes?
A: Our focus will be on crucial issues such as advancing education and healthcare, tackling youth unemployment, ensuring prosperity for farmers to boost the agriculture sector and create more jobs. We believe the benefits of development must reach everyone, especially the most marginalized. Progress and growth should not be concentrated among a select few.
Q: The INDIA bloc recently proposed a 10-point resolution for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), including a promise of special legislation to protect them from atrocities. How crucial are EBCs to the political landscape?
A: I concur with the assessment of EBCs’ disadvantaged status, though perhaps not with the opposition’s approach. There’s no denying that in many villages, the conditions faced by EBCs are comparable to, or even worse than, those of Dalits. The timing and specific nature of any proposed legislation are their concern and their strategy. It seems they’re making these offers simply because they have nothing else to present. While thoughtful decisions are certainly needed, it remains an undeniable truth that EBCs are subjected to such atrocities.
Q: You’ve long advocated for reservation within the judiciary. Can you elaborate on this stance?
A: My advocacy isn’t solely for reservation in the traditional sense, but rather for ensuring equitable representation of all societal sections within the judiciary. Currently, there’s a distinct lack of diversity, which stems from a selection process that I consider flawed, unconstitutional, and undemocratic. How can our legal system progress if such practices persist within the Supreme Court and other judicial bodies? Individuals from families with a history of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts disproportionately receive more opportunities. Regardless of caste, religion, or academic brilliance, a candidate without wealth, influence, or a judicial background often finds it impossible to become a judge. I aim to dismantle these systemic barriers. My proposed solution is an open, merit-based competition for judicial positions, similar to the process for IAS and IPS roles, where candidates are selected purely on their competitive performance, irrespective of their socioeconomic background.