‘I challenge the PM to ght on the basis of performance’
The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan will win comprehensively against the NDA’s campaign based on lies and polarisation, says ex-Bihar Dy. CM
ashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, one of his party’s star campaigners, has already addressed over 120 rallies as Bihar braces for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha poll on May 13. As The Hindu caught up with him in Patna , Mr. Yadav exuded condence about the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan sweeping the elections in the State. Edited excerpts:
RYou are claiming that surprising results will be seen in Bihar. What gives you the con dence?
We have been getting a very good response to our campaign. We are holding a lot of meetings, listening to people and amplifying their concerns. Life and livelihood issues are occupying the centre stage. Besides, an overwhelming majority is worried on account of the BJP’s doublespeak on the Constitution.
On what ground do you claim this? The BJP-led NDA has been in power for the past 10 years...
Undermining of Parliament, haphazard policymaking, bullying and misuse of independent institutions, constant attacks on federalism, economic policies that only benet a few industrial families, communal politics – the list is long. I can go on and on about the damage the BJP and NDA have done to the Constitution. The 400-seat slogan was to change the Constitution formally, which they have been undermining and attacking through underhanded means in the last decade.
The Prime Minister has continuously attacked the RJD over ‘Jungle Raj’, corruption and dynasty politics.
I will yet again challenge PM Modi to talk about people’s issues, including jobs, health and education. I will yet again challenge PM Modi to present his report card on the tall promises of development. I will yet again challenge PM Modi to ght the elections on the basis of his performance. But he is yet to respond. He continues with his deeply communal and prejudiced campaign.
The PM has also attacked the Opposition, charging it with planning to distribute private wealth and inheritance tax.
Every allegation is a confession. PM Modi has drained the national wealth and given it away to his friends. His illegal electoral bonds were the mechanism through which public wealth was given to selected industrialists. His supporters are busy deleting their old social media posts where they advocated inheritance tax. The BJP and the NDA’s entire campaign is based on lies and polarisation.
Amit Shah said that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the PM post would be shared among its partners for one year each.
Amit Shah is a senior leader and Union Minister. He should uphold the dignity of his oce. The people can see through such propaganda.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is saying that he provided jobs in Bihar and you are unnecessarily taking the credit for it.
Please ask him to show 17 months from his long tenure as productive as when I was the Deputy CM.
How many seats will the INDIA bloc and the NDA get?
We will win comprehensively. The scale of our victory will be clearer to everyone as the polling comes to a close.