‘Intimidation of Opp is a serious matter...we have a lot of support’

BIHAR’S LEADER of Opposition and ex-deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, 34, is spearheading the RJD’S charge in the Lok Sabha polls in the crucial battle ground.

Tejashwi speaks on several burning issues, ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s onslaught over corruption and dynasty politics to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s poll pitch, to the Opposition’s challenges. Excerpts:

What is the narrative of this election? And what is the Opposition’s action plan?

The primary narrative is listening to the people and being responsive to their basic needs and future aspirations. PM Modi and the kind of governance he favours do not have any place for dialogue. He speaks about himself in the third person ....

The Opposition’s blueprint is to stop the slide in the democratic structure and values of the country. That is our central issue.

You recently said the polls would spring some surprises – can you elaborate?

In the NDA, there is 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 surprises, you will have have to wait and see.

What do you have to say about alleged political vendetta?

The intimidation of Opposition is a serious matter. 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.

Can issues such as the Ram Temple play a role in the elections?

Since the context of this interview is the coming elections, I want to point out that anybody who makes religion or religious issuesapartoftheircampaignisin 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 certificate ... Religion loses its spiritual essence when mixed with politics.

Do you see the RJD moving beyond its MY (Muslimyadav) support base?

See, it is not about this or that equation ... We want to take everyone along. Our agenda is 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 Saran? How do you react to 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 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 ...

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. We don’t pay much attention to who is saying what because, frankly, the words of critics you mentioned have no value.