Meet ‘RJD’s Amar Singh’

His family has roots in the RSS, but Prem Chand Gupta is RSS-baiter and RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav’s Man Friday. Known to be an astut...

His family has roots in the RSS, but Prem Chand Gupta is RSS-baiter and RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav’s Man Friday. Known to be an astute networker, the 54-year-old Gupta is called Laloo’s Amar Singh in the making though he is still to make it to Page 3.

A second-term Rajya Sabha member, Gupta’s name was included in the list of ministers at the final stage of the RJD negotiation with Congress on May 21 evening.

The cause for this indulgence by Laloo is not far to see. Gupta has been the RJD leader’s pointman in Delhi ever since he got embroiled in the fodder scam.

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Born in Bhiwani, Gupta first came in contact with Laloo in 1987 and gradually moved into his inner circle.

The RJD president picked him up for a RS berth in 1996 and re-nominated him in 2002.

Armed with a law degree from Delhi University, Gupta is a manufacturer of precision engineering goods. His questions in the RS have been on water and defence. But he says he is not obsessed with either for ministerial responsibility. He says: ‘‘What matters to me is not the portfolio. My aim is to set in order whatever comes my way.’’

What makes Gupta indispensable to the RJD president is his financial clout, loyalty and his networking skills. Being a trader to the core, Gupta has consciously cultivated a skill to downplay his presence.

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