Q/ Why did your alliance with the BJP break?
A/ Had we not separated from them, the BJP would have destroyed us. Since the 2020 elections, a conspiracy was on to weaken us. They sent their leaders to contest from another party (the Lok Janshakti Party) against our candidates. When they lost, those leaders returned to the BJP. Even in Manipur, they contested against us. [They also] criticised the government. So, what else could we have done?
Q/ What is future of the new government?
A/ We have the support of 164 MLAs. The government will be stable. Nitish Kumar is the most trusted leader in Bihar and the country.
Q/ What is the message that emerges from this new alliance?
A/ The BJP has created tensions in society and obfuscated the real issues. The big message is against the BJP’s strategy of creating sentimental or emotional issues. Also that the BJP can be challenged; some thought it cannot be challenged.
Q/ Kumar said he would work for opposition unity. Is he a prime ministerial candidate?
A/ He will work to create opposition unity. We are not commenting on that front (prime ministerial candidature). There are many parties and groups. We are not making any such claim. But he has all the qualities to become prime minister. He has the people’s trust.
Q/ What would be the new government’s immediate agenda?
A/ The two issues of development and good governance are prime. This is what people expect from Nitish Kumar, and he performs.
Q/ It is being said that though Kumar is chief minister, Lalu Prasad’s family will be super Cms.
A/ Opposition may say these things, but the public does not feel that way. The people have seen many times that [Kumar] does not compromise beyond a limit. So, one should not have any doubts.
Q/ What is the outlook for the 2024 general elections and the 2025 assembly polls?
A/ If we are able to bring the entire opposition together, with all parties having a role—and everyone should think in that direction—then past results will not be repeated in 2024. But, there are a lot of challenges, and it is not easy.
Q/ The BJP accuses Kumar of soft-pedalling on the recently busted terror module?
A/ The BJP was part of the government, and even then they kept on making all sorts of allegations, since 2020. The law and order situation is under control. The BJP has control of Central agencies. Let them investigate the case.