‘I follow Laloo in everything I do. He is my guru, my friend, sometimes a father figure. It’s a relationship destined by God’

But the people of Bihar, who love Lalooji and have ensured that the RJD remains in power against all odds, know the reality. They very well understand who really cares for the backbenchers of society—the minorities, SCs/STs, OBCs. The coming elections will prove this fact again, when the RJD returns to power with a thumping majority.

• How do you view the challenge posed by people like Anand Mohan, Ranjan Yadav, Kali Pandey and Munna Shukla, all known for their muscle power, after they have acquired the patronage of Paswan?

People of Bihar are brave. They have faced similar odds in the past. They are committed to the cause and do not get scared of anyone.

• Who do you think would be your principal adversary in the assembly polls, the BJP-JD(U) combine or the Lok Janashakti Party?

No one. They are all spent forces. The recent Lok Sabha elections proved this. The era of stepmotherly treatment towards the people and state of Bihar, under the six years of NDA government’s misrule at the Centre, is over. Bihar was denied even its due share in national prosperity. Now, in the changed circumstances, we are committed to bringing overall prosperity and development to the state under the able chief ministership of Rabri Devi. Opportunist political parties like the BJP-JD(U), LJP and others stand totally exposed. They may even take the help of some outside parties like the SP, the so-called Samajwadis, who acted as a ‘vote katwa’ party (a party that may not win much but cuts into votes of others) in the last Lok Sabha elections also.

• You gave only four Lok Sabha seats to the Congress in the recent elections. Do you expect the Congress to be as submissive to the RJD in the assembly polls too?

The Congress and RJD’s main concern in the last Lok Sabha elections was to defeat and unseat the government at the Centre led by communal forces. The allocation of seats was entirely based on the winnability of candidates, in the best interest of achieving this basic objective. There is no question of being submissive in our coalition. In fact Lalooji had announced in advance that we would support a Congress-led government at the Centre.

• The Government has set up a GoM for affirmative action on jobs in the private sector. How do you think this will translate into more jobs for Dalits in sectors like Information Technology and Banking?

The main objective of the UPA Government is to create an atmosphere where every segment of society has a share in the prosperity of the nation. At the same time we are committed towards affirmative and proactive action for the downtrodden class. However, these objectives can be achieved through consensus building and wider discussions rather than divisive methods.

• Your background as a businessman, is it an asset or a liability while handling the Ministry for Company Affairs?

It has given me real insight into the problems faced by people on the other side of the table. Unless trade and industry flourish, no society can prosper in today’s highly competitive, open and globalised business environment. Now it is for you to decide whether my background is an asset or a liability.

• People say that you are the backroom boy of RJD strongman Laloo Prasad Yadav. What exactly is your relationship with the Railway Minister?

Lalooji is my ultimate idol and source of inspiration. In whatever I do, I try to follow his philosophy and ideology. You cannot give any title to this relationship. At times he is a guru, sometimes he is a friend, at other times he reminds me of my childhood—a father figure keeping a watchful eye on me. It is a relationship that God has destined. And I respect it.

• The crucial Maharashtra polls are being held in October. Who do you think will win?

The people of this country have rejected the fundamentalist forces. Maharashtra voters are very mature and no one should have any doubt about the formation of a secular government in Maharashtra.