No going back to NDA, we're right on track: Nitish
Chief minister Nitish Kumar has completed eight years in office on Monday. With general elections nearing and his JD(U) gearing up to go solo after parting ways with the BJP on June 16 last, there is no looking back for him. In an exclusive interview with Faizan Ahmad on the eve of completing eight years as the chief minister, Nitish Kumar did not rule out post-poll alliance with secular forces. Excerpts:
Since the JD(U) parted ways with the BJP, a common perception is that governance has taken a back seat, the pace of development has slowed down, you are overburdened and the bureaucrats are not listening to the ministers.
Will somebody tell me which work is left pending? This is just a canard being spread by the BJP which is trying to change the public discourse. Its propaganda mill is working overnight to spread lies. Neither governance is a victim nor is development. I have always been overloaded with work but I don't feel any difficulty in holding more departments. Earlier, too, I had been looking into the functioning of almost all the departments. Who had been framing the policies and guidelines then and now? Me, of course! New schemes of various departments like health will be rolled out soon. Tax collection is perfectly alright. They should tell which sector has been hit.
Is there any possibility of JD(U) joining hands with the BJP after general elections if the NDA failed to get the numbers and decided to change the leader to seek your support?
That chapter is closed and the experiment is over. There is no such possibility now. There is absolutely no question of going back on that path. Our decision is final, come what may.
In politics, it is said, nothing is impossible. Is there any possibility of an understanding among the secular parties in Bihar to take on the BJP?
It's very difficult. There are a number of issues, the most important being governance. I have succeeded after much difficulties and labour to put the state on the right track. Now, the situation has substantially changed and in the coming elections, for the first time, many things will be put to test. Let this test happen. I also want to see the result of taking a principled stand. I have no personal ambition but to work with dedication and honesty to serve the state and its people. I do not underestimate the strength of any party. The base of our party has increased by cementing social unity.
Do you feel threatened by the BJP?
Absolutely not. But the countrymen should understand the danger. The BJP needs to clarify its stand on various issues, programmes and policies. What will be their foreign policy on Pakistan, China, Tibet and Sri Lanka? What will be their economic policy and how they plan to develop the backward regions and the marginalized society? What will they do with the democratic institutions? Those accusing others of doing vote bank politics are indulging in the same.
What caused your enmity with Narendra Modi?
What enmity? Woh koi mera khet kaat liye hain (Did he harvest my field)? Ideological differences cannot be termed as enmity. In a democratic set up, everyone has the right to express his views. There is nothing subjective in our differences. I have explained my position many times. We had an alliance with the BJP since 1995-96 which was based on certain issues. Now that they have projected a controversial personality and paved the way to raise other controversial issues, we parted ways.
How CM Nitish Kumar will deal with 'PM' Narendra Modi?
(Laughs) Jo hona nahi hai us par kyon socha jaye (Why should I ponder over something which is not to happen). This is a great country and its people will come out with a solution of every problem.
Is there any possibility of pre-poll alliance amid the talks of Third Front or secular front?
No talks at the moment, but some front may take shape after the elections.
Do you suspect any political hand behind the incidents of communal tension in some parts of Bihar, particularly after June split in NDA?
Some elements are hell bent on creating bad blood in the society but could not succeed in their sinister designs. No notable incident took place between Dussehra and Muharram. We are taking utmost care and have asked the officials to be alert and active. Political hand is very much there. They recently tried to spread rumours about salt scarcity in the state. Law and order situation is perfectly alright. The shopkeepers are not closing early. People sleep outside their homes without fear. Farmers do not take back their pumping sets from their fields everyday. They are now getting electricity.
Faizan Ahmad,TOI, Patna
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