Nitish Kumar deserves respect, but must now bless young like me: Mukesh Sahani

The Mahagathbandhan has named Mallah leader and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani as its deputy chief ministerial candidate. In an interview with ET's Jatin Takkar, Sahani credited Nitish Kumar for his work on social justice and refrained from criticising him.

On whether he would switch sides later

"Perhaps for the first time, a Mallah has been projected as a deputy CM candidate in any state. Why would I switch sides? Here, I am a leader - in the NDA, I'd only be a loader. I've been on that side before, and even then, they didn't include Nishads/Mallahs in the SC category despite being in power. In the Mahagathbandhan, my community is finally getting its due. And let me be clear - our alliance will form the next government in Bihar."

On reports of reluctance from allies in projecting him as Deputy CM

"All is well in the Mahagathbandhan. I only wanted proper representation for my community, and both Rahul Gandhi ji and Tejashwi Yadav ji readily agreed to it - not just for my community but for other EBCs as well. And yes, there will be one more Deputy CM. After the elections, it will be decided which community he or she will represent."

On Nitish Kumar and how he rates him

"Nitish has done commendable work, always keeping social justice at the centre of his politics. He never allowed communal tensions to flare up in Bihar despite being in alliance with the BJP, and ensured that the poor, backward classes and SCs got their due. I like him for that and will always respect him. But now, his health isn't good - it's time for him to retire and bless youngsters from backward and marginalised communities like me."

On whether the door is open for Nitish and Chirag Paswan after the polls

"We work for social justice, and both Nitish ji and Chirag ji also believe in it. For the development of Bihar and our society, if they wish to join us and we can work together again - without the BJP - there's no harm in it. But it should be without any conditions."

On the Prashant Kishor factor

"Prashant Kishor, as a Bihari, is raising some valid points about the state's development. But if you look at his record, he doesn't have a clear ideology. He has helped form governments for whoever paid him well. He might get some votes, but only a small percentage."

On reviewing the liquor ban

"Yes, our government will review the liquor ban policy. We also plan to allow sale of taadi - a traditional alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of palm trees."