Let Nitish take a call on deputy CM: Lalu Prasad

Lalu, who played a stellar role in the Mahagathbandhan's victory, spoke to TOI's Madan Kumar on a wide range of issues at his 10 Circular Road home. Excerpts:

You have made a comeback with a bang. It is widely believed that you will run the show in the new government.

I have time and again clarified that the new government will be formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. He will be the CM. As you know, the Mahagathbandhan has got a huge mandate because the people of Bihar, especially Dalits, Mahadalits, minorities, backwards and all other suppressed, oppressed and exploited groups have total faith and trust in us. RJD will remember this forever. I salute the voters who are our asli malik (real master). We will ensure the new government identifies and fulfils their dreams and aspirations. The new government will keep all communal forces in check.

How do you look at your relationship with Nitish?

I have already said after installing my chhota bhai, Nitish, as CM in Patliputra, I will launch a big movement across the country against PM Narendra Modi's false promises. I will go to Varanasi, Modi's constituency, with lantern (RJD's symbol) and ask the people there if he has fulfilled the promises made in 2014. E BJP wala barka jhutha hai re, bhai (This BJP man is a big liar). I will expose him.




Will RJD try to have the post of deputy CM?

Nitish will be CM and he will take a call on the issue of deputy CM. It is his prerogative. I firmly stand by Nitish as his bara bhai.

Will you now seek Modi and Shah's resignation?

BJPwallahs hired more than 30 helicopters and hovered around like cheel and kauye (kites and crows) and spread all sorts of rumours about us. They said it would be Jungle Raj Part 2 if the Mahagathbandhan wins. They called me 'shaitan'. Modi should resign and return to Gujarat.

Do you have anything to say about Amit Shah?

The entire nation knows how Shah tried to divide society on communal lines by saying Pakistan will celebrate if the Mahagathbandhan wins. The people of Bihar gave %him a fitting reply. Rajnath bhai has congratulated Nitish. Shah should resign on %his own.