‘RJD will defeat Congress, BJP in Chatra’

Whether there is a possibility of truce between RJD and the Congress-led mahagathbandhan in Jharkhand is anybody’s guess owing to their tussle over the Chatra parliamentary seat, RJD’s nominee on this constituency Subhash Yadav, a debutant in electoral politics, has been busy campaigning. Nomination process for Chatra, Lohardaga and Palamu seats for the April 29 elections, is underway and Yadav will file his papers on April 5. He talks to TOI’s ASRP Mukesh on his claim to fame within RJD, his equation with incarcerated RJD chief Lalu Prasad.
Q. This will be your poll debut. Why did you pick the Chatra seat?

A. It wasn’t my choice, but that of party high command. Our party patriarch Lalu Prasad hand-picked me for this seat a year ago and I have been preparing to contest from here since then. I have been working for the welfare of people in this constituency by investing my own funds, be it for community roads, blankets for the poor, arranging water facilities etc. I am almost a native of this place as I have my house and business in Chatra, Latehar and even in Bihar. If elected, I promise to be a people’s leader who will stand with them through thick and thin.

Q. Many party insiders have said that your nomination hasn't gone down well with RJD’s state leaders. Former RJD state president Annapurna Devi’s exit was said to be because of your nomination.

A. I don’t know who propagates all these baseless things, but Annapurna Devi and I shared a very good rapport. I have always respected her and waited for her directions and advice to move ahead. In fact, on January 15, when Lalu picked me for Chatra, I visited her residence in Koderma to touch her feet. I still have high regard for her. We also conducted a rath yatra there under her aegis. So where is the difference?

Q. Why did she dump RJD after decades of association?

A. Only she can answer this to your satisfaction. But I pity her for joining BJP and seeing how she is virtually become a nobody there. RJD gave her recognition and respect, thanks to Laluji, who recognizing her contributions appointed her as the state chief. She couldn’t use her opportunity to strengthen the party, but rather chose to switch sides.

Q. You views on another former state RJD chief Girinath Singh, also founding members of the party in Jharkhand, who also joined BJP. He is vying to contest from Chatra.

A. (Smiles) I am ready to take on anyone on this seat, which is an RJD bastion. His joining the BJP is said to be motivated as he wants to evade an inquiry against his college (Gopinath Singh Mahila Mahavidyalaya) in Garhwa. I don’t know the details about that inquiry though.

Q. It is said that Lalu gave you a ticket because of your ties with his family.

A. He is different Subhash Yadav who is Lalu’s relative. I have been his simple sipahi for years. I owe him for picking me to fight the polls.

Q. Congress and RJD are still in talks to sort out their differences over the Chatra seat. Are you ready to take back your nomination if required?

A. Come what may, RJD will contest on both Chatra and Palamu seats. If Congress chooses to field anyone from Chatra, RJD will defeat both Congress and BJP on this seat even in a friendly fight.