`We formed BSNL since govt won’t be able to provide telecom services on its own’

Does this strike not send wrong signals in a scenario where so much is happening on the IT front?
Of course not. This was only a temporary phase, everything will settle down once the people understand what we are doing.

What’s the difference between privatisation and corporatisation, which is implied by the formation of BNSL? Will privatisation solve the problems of India’s rural areas waiting to be connected by phone?
Corporatisation means that the government still has a major stake. At the same time, we are admitting that we (the government) cannot do it on our own. While giving licences to private operators in STD and ISD, we have ensured that they have targets for rural telephony which they have to fulfill, or else their licences will go.

But they have defaulted in the past.
Yes, we have fined them to the tune of Rs 53 lakh. If they do not pay up, their licences will be taken away. But I want DOT to compete in the open market.

Critics claim that you are among those politicians more concerned about local problems, and that you do not have a national perspective.
That is not true. In fact, if I wanted that, I would have accepted the chief ministership of Bihar long time back. I have been in national politics since the 70s. I also believe in implementing the best international technical know-how in my area.

You threatened to resign from the cabinet if the Hajipur railway division was denotified as the zonal headquarters. Is the issue that important to you?
Yes, I did because people are expecting a lot there, since the announcement was made in 1996 when I was Railway Minister. For example, nearly 57,000 casual labour had been confirmed. These are poor people and you have to take care of their interests. Nearly 15-20 crore was to be invested there, providing a lot of employment. With every minister that came, like Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee, the whole plan was reviewed and finally only Rs 50 lakh were released by Mamata Banerjee. She’s only interested in her own constituency, she sent wrong signals by downgrading the post of General Manager in Hajipur. I was forced to make that statement.

Has the problem been sorted out?
I met the Prime Minister twice to discuss this particular issue and both the times, he has very categorically said that this would not happen.

How serious are you about forming your own party?
If Sharad Yadav does not step down as president of the party, I will announce my new party in a rally in New Delhi on November 23. The party will not be called Dalit Sena as it should cut across class lines. The party should have a strong base as there are 4.5 lakh workers already all over India.

What is wrong with the handling of JD(U) right now? Why this confrontation with Sharad Yadav?
When the leader of the party does not have a mass base, what can we expect? The party is not going anywhere with Sharad Yadav as president. We are clear on one fact: there has to be a leadership change. There is nobody to give direction or vision. We have not had any organisational elections for the last three years, not a single rally except the recent one in Lucknow.

Are you interested in becoming party president?
We are clear on one thing: It will not be me or Sharad Yadav but a third person who should head the party. Maybe Ramkrishna Hegde or Patel.

Are other MPs going to join you?
Many have shown interest, including people from the RJD in Bihar who are tired of Laloo’s politics there.