Mahagathbandhan is a 'kam chalau' alliance: Raghuvansh Prasad Singh

PATNA: RJD national vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, a former union minister and a five-term MP from Vaishali, tells TOI he has no qualms in admitting that Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance is a “kam chalau (makeshift)” alliance. Yet, he exudes confidence that GA will form the next government at the Centre, despite the differences. Ramashankar catches up with him in Vaishali, which goes to polls on May 12
Q. How do you see Mahagathbandhan’s prospects?
The alliance was a matter of compulsion, done under people’s pressure. It should have been a natural alliance, but it didn’t happen that way. In fact, it is a “kam chalau” alliance. The kind of “andolan” that was required before the elections were announced did not materialise and the differences in the leadership are showing among the grassroots-level workers. As a result the alliance couldn’t generate the buzz among the masses that was needed to prevent the BJP-led NDA from repeating its show.
Q. Who do you blame for the 'kam chalau' Mahagathbandhan?
The leaders of all constituents of the Mahagathbandhan should have done proper homework before entering into the alliance. The result is apparent on the ground. The workers don't look as enthusiastic as they should.
Q. Are you feeling Lalu Prasad’s absence in the polls?
Yes his absence is apparent. It’s a political conspiracy to keep him in jail. Lalu Ji is in jail, but other accused in the same case are on bail. What sort of the system is this? His presence in election campaigning in favour of GA candidates would have rejuvenated the cadres and shaken the NDA partners. “Aaj bhi wo ek lok priye neta hain (He is still a popular leader)”.
Q. What is your reaction to differences within the Lalu-Rabri family?
It’s a family issue of Lalu Ji and they will sort it out. But I’m sure it will not affect the poll outcome in any way. People of Bihar are aware…Who is doing what and who is behind this is no more a secret. I hope things will be set right at an appropriate time.
Q. Is there any ‘Modi Lahar’ (Modi wave) in the election?
There is no wave. In fact, it is a wave in favour of GA. People are frustrated over poor performance of the NDA government at the centre. They are now feeling after five years of NDA rule they have been deceived. “Logon ke saath dhoka hua hai. Sabhi thage mahsoos kar rahen hain’. The NDA’s graph is going down phase after phase in the election.
Q. How do you react to BJP’s poll plank of national security?
It’s a misnomer. BJP is trying to fool the 130 crore people of this country by making this an issue. They are trying to create confusion among a major section of the electorate but they will not succeed. BJP’s double standards are well known. They will not return to power.
Q. Will smaller parties play a role if GA (read UPA) forms the next government?
Of course, they will play an important role in the formation of the government after the results are declared. They will get their due share (representation) and will be accommodated as per their performance in the election. In Bihar, RJD-led Grand Alliance consists of HAM(S), RSLP and Bollywood film set designer Mukesh Sahni-led Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Q. You have represented the seat five times. What are your significant achievements?
I was Union rural development minister for five years till 2009. MNREGA brought about massive changes for the poor, who earlier found it hard to make both ends meet. Roads and bridges were built in remote areas. I have also been making efforts to bring back the ‘bhiksha patra’ of Lord Buddha back to Vaishli from a Kabul museum. We had taken out 7-km padyatra to highlight the issue, but the relic is still lying there due to reluctant attitude of the NDA government.