‘BJP in govt helped pass caste survey move … no RJD around’

BIHAR DEPUTY Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, one of the BJP’S tallest OBC leaders in the state, speaks about the criticism of Narendra Modi for his comments on Opposition leaders who “cook mutton during saawan (monsoon)” or “eat fish during Navratri”, the Bihar caste survey, and his criticism of Nitish Kumar in the past. Excerpts:

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has alleged that the PM’S criticism of Opposition leaders who “cook mutton in the month of saawan” and “eat fish during Navratri” is aimed at diverting attention from real issues …

People here know that Lalu Prasad ji eats chaara (fodder). He was eating mutton during saawan and also making Rahul Gandhi eat it. This is a question of the asmita (pride) of people who believe in Sanatana Dharma. The PM also said there is full freedom to eat what you wish. But doing so publicly... should this be done?

The BJP has alleged that the Congress manifesto resembles the manifesto of the Muslim League of colonial times ...

The minorities of the country have seen Modi ji’s work. We are trying to rehabilitate those who became minorities in neighbouring countries during Partition as they are also our people. Opposition is following the template of appeasement.

The Opposition has promised a caste census and Bihar is the state that offered the template months ago. Nitish Kumar is now with you. What is your current stand?

We are not against caste census and support it. In Bihar, we have done it (caste survey). In the Cabinet of Nitish Kumar ji, of 2930 ministers, 16 were from the BJP. We gave the mandate. Where are Tejashwi or Lalu Prasad in this matter? They are nowhere.

Are you saying that the BJP supported the caste survey move when Nitish Kumar was with you the last time?

I am telling you the date. On June 20, 2022, we were part of the state government. We passed it. Where were they (the RJD)? They were not even aware that such a decision was being taken.

You were a strident critic of Nitish Kumar when you were on opposite sides …

Nitish Kumar ji was our opponent, we were fighting an ideological battle. I have worked politically for a long time with him.

What does BJP gain from the alliance with JD(U)?

When there is an alliance, we discuss collective interests. We are going to the polls in Bihar as NDA and Nitish Kumar ji is an influential and important face. Other parties are also there. We will win all 40 seats.