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Patna, Oct 26 (IANS) RJD principal general secretary and one of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s close aides Abdul Bari Siddiqui on Sunday said the election fight in Bihar is a fight between two ideologies and added that the Grand Alliance is fighting against the communal agenda of the NDA.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, he spoke on a range of issues, including his alleged dissatisfaction with the RJD leadership and whether projecting Tejashwi Yadav as a mass leader was political posturing.
Excerpts from the interview are given below:
IANS: This is probably the first election in Bihar in which RJD supremo Lalu Yadav is not present. Lalu is a factor, but broadly it is a new team led by Tejashwi. How do you see it?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: Lalu Prasad Yadav is unwell and hence not physically present in this election battle, but his direction, strategy and vision remain the guiding principles for all and will continue to lead the party’s fight against communal forces. Over the years, Tejashwi has also built his reputation, but the electoral field is primarily Lalu versus the rest.
All political rivals fear Lalu’s decades of public service, and hence they are constantly trying to pull him down through malicious and negative campaigns.
IANS: It is being said that Abdul Bari Siddiqui is angry with the RJD leadership for not being given proper representation in decision making.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: I am one of the founding members of Rashtriya Janata Dal. I have been with Lalu Yadav for decades and we have worked together to carry forward the vision of Karpoori Thakur. For us, the ideology of the party is bigger than that of any individual, hence the question of differences or discord with anyone does not arise.
IANS: RJD leaders are claiming from the campaign platform that they will tear down the Waqf Bill if the Tejashwi-led alliance comes to power. What is your opinion on this?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: This election is about the battle of ideologies. On one hand, a shameless attempt is being made to divide the society on the basis of caste and religion by pitting one community against another, but on the other hand, the Grand Alliance is doing progressive politics and trying to restore communal and social harmony.
The NDA has no report card to talk about and hence is resorting to non-issues to spoil the public debate. She accuses us of ‘jungle raj’ to hide her failures.
IANS: Mukesh Sahni has been made the Deputy CM face of the Grand Alliance. Will this send a wrong message to your minority vote bank and affect the alliance’s chances in the elections?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: It is natural for the minority community, including Muslims, to pay attention to their dignity and safety in elections. BJP is not doing politics of development, but is trying to polarize the elections on communal lines. Its leaders say that they will change the name of Aliganj to Adarshganj. Is this what you call development based politics?
IANS: How do you rate VIP leader Mukesh Sahni? Can he be a reliable leader partner?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: Mukesh Sahni comes from a backward and humble background and has gained popularity under the popular name – “Son of Mallah”.
Our focus is on Lalu ji’s ideology of strengthening the backward and the deprived, but it is the BJP which is trying to divide the elections on religious lines for political gains.
IANS: Tejashwi Yadav is being projected as a people’s leader, but his own brother Tej Pratap does not agree with it. What is your reaction?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: When Jannayak Karpoori Thakur became the Chief Minister of Bihar, he implemented a formula for reservation – 12 per cent for Contract 1, 8 per cent for Contract 2, 3 per cent for women and 3 per cent for upper caste poor – making a total of 26 per cent. When this formula was implemented, there were many people who criticized and cursed him for introducing reservation.
Tejashwi has inherited the legacy of Lalu Yadav and is trying to fulfill the aspirations of the backward classes. It will take time, but if he continues to carry forward and follow the ideals and vision of Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Yadav, the public will truly recognize him as the savior of the people.
IANS: Will the grand alliance have to pay the price for the delay in ticket allotment and mapping campaign blitz?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: Big parties take time to finalize details. But the vision is clear – the grand alliance is fighting communal and divisive forces with its ideology of brotherhood and harmony.
IANS: UN Vishwas told IANS that Congress wants to save Lalu Prasad Yadav in the fodder scam. What is your Opinion?
Abdul Bari Siddiqui: I would say that Lalu Yadav was implicated and wrongly implicated in the case. After being ousted from power, this government will also find itself in the dock. In today’s governance, corruption has become even deeper rooted. Nowadays no work is completed without paying bribe and commission.
–IANS
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