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?Caste will take backseat this time?
JD (U) candidate from Jehanabad Arun Kumar feels the minority vote bank has shifted from the RJD to the JD (U).
JD (U) candidate from Jehanabad Arun Kumar feels the minority vote bank has shifted from the RJD to the JD (U). He tells Surendra Prasad Sinha that his victory is certain. Excerpts of the interview:
Do you see any visible change in the poll scenario in your constituency since 1999?
Yes, certainly. The continuous misrule by the Laloo-Rabri government has changed the scenario in the present elections. This time, various caste segments, especially the weaker sections, are showing an inclination towards my party. The minority, which was earlier a major vote bank of the RJD, is now with me.
With the absence of Ram Vilas Paswan in the NDA have any bearing on your poll prospects?
Certainly not. Paswan has made adjustments with Laloo Prasad Yadav who during his or his wife’s rule has done nothing more than fooling people.
Will caste equation again play an important role?
There is no doubt that caste factor plays a role in elections. But I feel this time it will take backseat as the youth belonging to all castes are fed up with the Laloo-Rabri rule.
Is it true that some heavyweight politicians of your own caste are opposing you?
(After a few moments of silence) It’s not a fact. Some politicians may not be favouring me owing to party compulsions. But I am getting whole-hearted support of the masses because I have done a lot to develop the constituency.
What are the issues that you will take up? What are your chances?
Stability, Vajpayee’s good governance, the dynamic leadership of Nitish and George will be the key issues. The people of the constituency again want to see Vajpayee as the Prime Minister. I am, therefore, confident of winning the elections.
Are you facing any problem with independent candidate Tapshi Sharma, who is a leader of Rastrawadi Kisan Sangh.
Not at all. I have done a lot for the welfare of farmers and labourers during my tenure as MP. It was because of my sincere efforts that the centre okayed the Dardha-Punpun Jalasay Yojana, a long-pending demand of the farmers of Jehanabad and parts of Patna district.