Tejashwi Yadav interview: ‘Intimidation of Oppn serious matter…We have got a lot of support from people who want us to fight back politically, legally’

I find it very strange when the PM keeps announcing from the stage that the ‘people of India have decided this’ or the ‘people of India have decided that’. My point is to let the people of India decide – why so much nervousness? The Opposition’s blueprint is to stop the slide in the democratic structure and values of the country. That is our central issue. We want to put the people back in the position of power, instead of billionaires or ideological handlers who lurk in the shadows.

How do you see the ruling BJP-led NDA flagging the Narendra Modi factor as an overriding theme of the elections. You recently said the polls would spring some surprises – can you elaborate?

It points to centralisation of power in the NDA. There’s one leader, and the rest are willing or unwilling followers. Lok Sabha elections are about people choosing their representatives to make laws and, as legislature members, keep the executive accountable. Making this about one individual makes this institutional arrangement weak and ineffective. As for the surprises, you will have just have to wait and see.

Do you think issues like alleged political vendetta, such as the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, would fuel the Opposition?

The intimidation of Opposition is a serious matter. People everywhere can see that it is a blatant attempt to browbeat the Opposition right before the general elections. We have got a lot of group support from the people who are encouraging us to fight back politically and legally.

On the row over the Sanatan dharma, you said opposing the BJP is not opposing the country. Do you think emotive issues such as the Ram Temple can play a role in the elections?

Since the context of this interview is the upcoming elections, I want to point out that anybody who makes religion or religious issues a part of their campaign is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Other than that, the BJP is not the thekedar (contractor) of dharma, and no one requires its approval or certificate when it comes to religion. Religion is no doubt important for people, but they also know that religion loses its spiritual essence when mixed with politics.

How do you react to the PM asking the people at his Nawada rally to “punish sinners during the Ramnavami”?

The PM’s speech writers lose all sense of propriety and balance during the elections. On a lighter note, if people take the PM’s words seriously, he and his party will be in trouble.

Now that Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) of EBC leader Mukesh Sahani has joined the Mahagathbandhan and RJD has also given a good number of tickets to Kushwaha candidates, do you see the RJD moving beyond its MY (Muslim-Ydav) base?

See, it is not about this or that equation. Such decisions are essentially about representation. We want to take everyone along. Our agenda is broad, inclusive, and progressive, and people will find that addressing concerns of social justice and equity is in everyone’s interest.

What is your take on the electoral debut of your sister Rohini Acharya from your father Lalu Prasad’s Saran bastion? How do you react to “parivarvaad” (dynasty politics) allegations against your family?

Leadership emerges in several ways – whether you talk about politics or business or, for that matter, any other field. Such decisions are also made considering the sentiments of the party workers and our well-wishers. No family is large enough or powerful enough to defy the support of the party workers and people. It’s an organic and consultative process. I wish my sister all the very best. As for such allegations – they are hollow and hypocritical, especially coming from the BJP.

CM Nitish Kumar has been trying to discredit you over your 10 lakh jobs claim. Do you think it indicates his “nervousness”?

We have moved on and are quite firm on our agenda. While our detractors indulge in frustrated criticism, we are already creating a blueprint for our promised mass employment programme. We are working out each and every detail so that we can deliver on our promise swiftly and without any kind of roadblock. We don’t pay much attention to who is saying what because, frankly, the words of critics you mentioned have no value. My attention is solely focused on the young people I meet and see everyday.

Do you think this election is bereft of any definitive issues and both the NDA and the Opposition have been shuffling between several issues?

The issue is definite and foundational – defending and protecting democratic institutions and values. We will not let our Constitution be undermined or threatened.