Lot of difference between Rahul and me: Lalu’s son

When he’s asked how old he is, Tejaswi, son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, replies with an American twang “twenny-one”. He’s very different from his father – he is suave and wants to play professional cricket rather than the games that keep politicians busy. But the young man, who was schooled in Delhi, made his debut political speech earlier this month, if only to campaign for his parents and their party in the ongoing Bihar assembly elections. He talks papa, dynastic politics and being a Bihari. Excerpts:

What’s it like to have Lalu Prasad as a father?

It’s a very special feeling, no doubt. I am proud to have him as my papa. He has struggled hard to reach where he is today. You know, my grandmother became a widow when my father was only five. She would work as a domestic help in neighbours’ houses to eke out a living. Papa knows what it is to be poor. That’s why he is so concerned about the poor and downtrodden and talks about their empowerment. But his hectic schedule notwithstanding, he is a family man who gives enough time to us.

You must know that most fathers are not like yours -- earthy, very funny, very political. When did you first realize that your father was different?

The day I gained consciousness. By the time I turned 10 or 11, I knew my father was an important man. I saw people giving him importance. I knew what it means to be a minister or chief minister or party president. In fact, I am myself kind of used to mingling with people, many of whom I have always seen at our home. (Pointing towards the crowd of partymen) You can see so many people at this hour (9 pm) at our home and this, when we are not in power.

Both your parents have, in different ways, made history, sometimes for the wrong reasons – the fodder scam, among others. What do you have to say about that?

You know, it’s an age of competition, a dog-eat-dog world. There is no one to prop you when you go up, but so many to pull you down. Even as small a thing as a television is owner's pride, but neighbour's envy. My father reached dizzying heights in his political career. It was quite natural for jealous rivals to go to town and spread lies to tarnish his reputation. My mother was crying when she went to take oath as chief minister in place of papa who was jailed in connection with fodder scam cases. There was opposition from within and without. We went through hell even before any court held that papa had committed a wrong. Thankfully, my mother managed things; the party was saved from disintegration. The show continued. I am proud of my mother. As for court cases, let the courts decide. So far, every ruling has been in our favour.

You always said you wanted to play for India on the sports field rather than the field of politics. So why is it politics now?

I am not in politics per se. Like any responsible son, I am just helping my parents. I am campaigning for them and not because they wanted me to do so. Our party candidates wanted me to campaign for them. I haven’t hung up my boots. Cricket remains my first passion.

Does that mean you will never fight an election?

Look, three Ps are important in my life -- parents, public and party. If they ever want me to contest elections, I’m game. And why shouldn’t I? Cricketers are not government employees, who cannot contest elections.

Isn't it time Indian politicians stopped treating politics like a family business?

Why? Doesn’t a doctor’s son become a doctor and an engineer’s son an engineer? And I cannot become an MLA or MP just because my papa wishes so. The ‘janata’ decides, after all. The late Pramod Mahajan's daughter too contested the Maharashtra elections. But she was defeated. Most politicians' kin win, however, because they join the fray on demand from the people of the constituency.

You are very young. Are your dreams different from those of your father?

We share the same dream – the development of Bihar. Papa is more experienced and learned. He thinks and worries about the poor; I am concerned about the youth and things like migration due to lack of education and employment avenues.

Does your father see you as the Rahul Gandhi of the RJD?

Why should he? (Smiles) Rahul is a ‘yuva neta'; I am ‘yuva se jyada yuva' . He is 40 plus, I am 20 plus. That’s a helluva lot of difference. Mera yuvapan toh ab shuru ho raha hai (My youth is only just beginning).

Do you have a problem being called a Bihari , considering Biharis don't have a particularly fashionable image?

I don't agree with you that Biharis have a bad image. Biharis are the most hardworking and talented lot and they have proved their worth in all fields and in every corner of the world. See the list of successful IAS/IPS aspirants; every year Biharis rule the roost. Why should I be ashamed of being called a Bihari?

You have completed Class XII but you’re not in college. Is a Class XII education enough?

No, no. I plan to do graduation through correspondence. I had to discontinue my studies because I concentrated on cricket.