The RJD emerged as the single largest party; yet could not form the government. Is there an overall message?
In these elections, people gave more importance to issues. RJD’s surge signifies that people took note of the issues it brought to discussion, despite the attacks on us—be it jungle raj or family. People of the state also showed that Nitish Kumar was not their first choice as the contest was between him and Tejashwi Yadav. Despite all BJP leaders campaigning for him, Nitish Kumar could not win people's confidence. They say Chirag Paswan dented their chances, so this means people listened to Paswan more than the PM.
The RJD made some allegations on counting mismanagement.
I am not casting aspersions on the Election Commission, but the bureaucracy which worked with the state government was helping it to stop change of regime. They were jittery. Wherever there was less margin, our demands of recounting were not entertained, but when the other party demanded it, it was done immediately. There was an attempt against us.
How do you see Tejashwi Yadav's rise?
He came in 2010. He toured all districts and contested elections in 2015. There were no allegations during his tenure; otherwise, the government would have targeted him. During the 2019 Lok Sabha (elections) we got 80 lakh votes, though we could not win. We were second at most places. We got votes as people recognised his work. Even alliance negotiations were held by him as Laluji was away. He kept all secular forces together. Those who left us were opportunists. He selected good candidates. Whatever decisions he took were agreed upon by everyone. He emerged as a leader and particularly, among the young across all the castes.
You think AIMIM dented your chances in many seats.
We don’t have any reservations against any political party contesting on issues. If people believe that we are a party of some castes and communities, then it is wrong. Representations were given to all castes during our governments. Since Yadavs constitute 14 per cent and Muslims are 16 per cent of the population, they had their MLAs. Owaisi’s intentions are suspicious. Why only the Muslim community? If they focus on only one community, then it will not work in Bihar.
Your ally Congress’s performance also marred the Grand Alliance's chances.
When the Grand Alliance contested elections, it was a unified force. We reached out to each constituency, Tejashwi reached out to all seats. Winning and losing are part of the process.
