‘They are caught in the past, I think about present and future’: Tejashwi on ‘yuvraj’ barb

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is drawing crowds and his rallies are much talked about in the first assembly election he is fighting without the guidance of his father Lalu Prasad. But, the way this former deputy chief minister of Bihar works the crowd, engages them and regales them with one-liners brings back memories of Lalu in his heydays.

An intelligent communicator, Tejashwi is running the poll show this time — picking candidates, overseeing the campaign, addressing rallies and engaging rivals. Opoyi caught up with him at his 10, Circular Road residence in Patna, which was throbbing with action at 10 PM on Sunday. A good number of RJD supporters could be seen waiting under a tin shed outside for their leader to return from the poll campaign and inside senior leaders are waiting for his return to discuss issues.

Speaking to Opoyi, Tejashwi detailed his vision for Bihar, his counter of PM Modi’s ‘Jungle raj ka yuvraj’ barb and his views on his opponents among other things. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

This is the first election the RJD is fighting without Lalu Prasad. What is the impact of his absence?

The election is fought by the party. The party is fighting the election all on its own. I am not alone. We are raising issues in a positive way. What Bihar needs these days is Padhai, Dawai, Kamai, Sinchai, Sunwai, Karwai. (Bihar needs education, medical facilities, jobs, irrigation facilities, forum to raise and redress problems). We are focusing on farmer issues, migration issues, closed factories issues. There is 15 years of anti-incumbency. Bihar did not get anything from this double engine government. No special status, no special package. Eighty-five lakh people were affected as 18 districts were flooded but no central team came to at least see the situation. But despite this they are asking for votes. During the Corona crisis, labourers were charged for their journey. Forty trains went missing, trains for Patna went to Puri. If you see all these things, you will realise that people are very anguished.

Also Read | In Bihar, migrants feel let down by govt but caste loyalty may persist

How do you counter the allegations of ‘Family Raj’ and ‘jungle raj ka Yuvraj’ levelled by the Prime Minister and other opponents?

I don’t need to counter that. People of Bihar have seen me as a deputy chief minister. I challenge them to find any problem with my 18-month work as deputy chief minister. See, they want to remain caught in the pages of history. I am caring for the present and looking at the future.

How do you view LJP suddenly parting ways with JD(U) but staying on in the NDA at the centre?

That is their politics. That shows that everything is not okay within the NDA. Obviously, Chirag has been saying that he is Modi ji’s Hanuman and he will be with BJP.

Chirag Paswan has called you his ‘younger brother’. Do you think this bonhomie will result in any post-poll arrangement?

We have a very good relationship. Actually, my family, my dad had a very good relationship with the late Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. That family relation is still there but politically, there is nothing to read. When Chirag Paswan ji has clarified that if people are thinking that LJP would go with RJD, that is foolish. I think that he will stick with the BJP. So, there is no point talking about this.

Why do you think people should vote for you, what is your USP?

I have been raising the issues. I have been fighting for what Bihar requires. What they need.

Also Read | Stepping out of Lalu’s shadow, can Tejashwi Yadav clinch victory in Bihar polls?

What do you mean by RJD being an A to Z party? Earlier it was known for its MY equation.

A to Z party is for everyone. A party for Bihar’s 12 crore people. Across the caste, religion and sex.

How is poll work divided between you and your brother Tej?

The people are handling it. This is not the first time. This is the second time. We have the experience. I have to campaign all over, he is taking care of his constituency.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

Actually I have not thought about when I will be 41. Mostly, I have been thinking if I will get a responsibility I will do what Bihar needs.

Also Read | Seat pact stitched up, but RJD-Congress have a tough challenge to repeat 2015 performance

We all know election days are very hectic, how do you unwind at the end of a busy day?

These days, I hardly get time to do anything, I am up till 2-3 am in the night and I get up at around 7 am in the morning. So, as soon as I hit the bed, I fall asleep. I am doing around 19 rallies a day so the hectic schedule makes up for exercise. All the sprints and strides are done there in the rallies.

Which was the last book you read in recent times?

It has been quite some time since I read a book. But the last book I read was on Ram Manohar Lohia.