Author: Ashok K Mishra
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: November 25, 2010
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/The-debate-should-be-on-who-works-better-Nitish-Kumar/articleshow/6984586.cms
Q.: Did you anticipate this?
A.: Nitish Kumar : I was confident about victory. We had delivered on promises,
though a lot still needs to be done. But people knew the NDA government painstakingly
worked for development of the state. We worked for the poor and downtrodden,
built new infrastructure, dismantled the 'kidnapping industry,' adopted the
credo of inclusive growth. Bihar started looking up and with it the Bihari
pride was re-born. So we expected a positive vote this time from the people.
Q.: Is this victory different from the one
in 2005?
A.: Nitish Kumar: You can say so. Last time, people wanted to get rid of the
RJD government. Basically, it was 'Lalu hatao' politics which played out in
2005 and NDA was the beneficiary, though people may have voted for us in the
name of development too. But this time, it was a positive vote for us. People
had tasted the fruits of development for the first time and they now want
good governance. They stepped out of their homes in large numbers and even
broke caste loyalties to vote for us.
Q.: What is the big message from this election?
A.: Nitish Kumar: The big message is that days of caste politics and empty
talk are over. It holds important lessons for the entire country on the politics
that needs to be practised. Whenever there is competition, it should be about
who works more for the people. Earlier, it was about who could manage elections
better. But some people were not willing to read the message on the wall.
The results are for all see.
You referred to Lalu Prasad as 'bade bhai'
and Rabri-Lalu as 'pati-patni jodi' who did nothing for Bihar. But he described
you as a 'kulakshin bahu' (the bride who brings bad omen)...
Nitish Kumar: Laluji has his own style but
I try to keep it simple. In the electoral battlefield , so many things can
be conveyed without getting nasty or aggressive.
Q.: Do you think Prasad can stage a political
comeback?
A.: Nitish Kumar: I had said during my campaign that he will become a footnote
in Bihar's political history. But now I wish him good luck for the future.
Q.: Some of your MPs like Lallan Singh worked
for Congress and rival parties. Will there be action against them?
A.: Nitish Kumar: I don't want to comment on who did what and what action
will be initiated against them. But the massive mandate we have got is a befitting
reply to them. They wanted to create confusion but people snubbed them by
voting us to power for the second consecutive term.
