"The game has just begun, wait for Laloo’s move"

* Are you satisfied with the RJD’s performance in the election?

Yes. For a party which was formed in July, the results are positive.* What do you think of the future of your former party, the Janata Dal?

Where’s the JD now? Now there is only the RJD. The JD, which was formed to provide social justice and also to work as a third force to prevent non-secular forces, has collapsed mid-way. Don’t worry. So far as Laloo Yadav is in politics, the third force will never die.

* Are you planning to ally with your former colleagues the JD and the Left?

No party, whether it is the JD or the Left, is untouchable so far as unity of secular forces is concerned. Though I am a victim of the internal politics of the JD, I still believe in the unification of all parties who have faith in secularism.

The BJP has been playing its political cards just to grab power. It dances to the tune of multinationals, who are trying to control both the economy and politicsof India. Communal forces will destroy national, political and social fabric. It is time the secular and like-minded people came forward to strengthen secularism. Politics cannot thrive in the name of religion for long. That’s what the BJP has been doing. If you want to fight elections, go to people and talk about their problems.

* If the BJP forms a government at New Delhi, what will be the fate of the Bihar government?

Dilli mein koi bhi sarkar aa jaye Rabri Devi sarkar ke taraf aankh uthakar dekhega to aankh nikal lenge. (Whoever comes to power in Delhi, if they dare stare at Rabri Devi’s government, their eyes will be plucked out.) No power on earth can dismiss a democratically elected government in the State.

* Several parties, especially the Samata Party, have alleged that you have misused Government machinery during the election?

Who cares! They have lost the battle.

* It’s also alleged that no administrative official can go beyond your wish. Is it true?

Certainly not.I am not their controlling authority. Of course, during my chief ministership, I had taken several measures against these officials to provide justice at the door step of the people. Those who doesn’t like my style of functioning are making a hue and cry.

* There are a number of complaints of rigging, booth capturing and violence during the election in Bihar?

The Election Commission is free to examine the matter. I have made several complaints to the EC but no action was initiated. Akhvaar valon ne Bihar ki chabi ko bigara hai. Wey to hamei bhi hara rahe the. (Journalists have given Bihar a bad name, they were also trying to defeat me.) But I proved my clout.

* Since 1974, you had been fighting against the Congress. What prompted you to join hands with the Congress?

There has been a sea change in the political ideology in the country. In the early ’70s, we fought against the Congress because its ideology was different from the situation and circumstances prevailing at that time. We didour best and finally succeeded. Now there are enemies all around. I can’t compromise with the BJP or other non-secular parties so I had no choice except to join hands with the Congress in Bihar. Whatever I did, I did for the sake of the nation.

* The law and order situation in your State seems to be vulnerable and the State Government is unable to combat the growing clout of criminals?

With the available resources financial as well as manpower the State Government is doing its best. During my chief ministership, I had written several letters to the Central Government seeking financial support to strengthen police force, but all in vain. Lathi se to murgi bhi nahin marti hai.

* What do you think about Sitaram Kesri’s decision to resign from Congress presidentship?

It is the internal matter of the Congress. I have respect for Kesriji. I don’t know under what circumstances he decided to quit.