LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan speaks on his ambition, corruption, alliance with Lalu Prasad, Varun Gandhi et al in a freewheeling interaction with Ashok Mishra. Excerpts:
Now that you have joined hands with Lalu and Mulayam, would you pitch for the top job if three of you get a sizeable number of seats in UP and Bihar?
Every person in politics wants to become the Prime Minister. If I don’t say that it would be hypocrisy.
But there are two situations when one becomes Prime Minister.
First, when his party emerges as the single largest party with adequate numbers. Second, when a coalition is cobbled up with like-minded parties or groups. In the second case, a person on whom a consensus is arrived becomes the Prime Minister. In the past, H D Dewe Gowda became the Prime Minister despite less number of seats since the partners were unanimous on his name. But all such presumptions will depend upon the poll outcome.
Will you accept the post, if offered like Dewe Gowda was?
It will depend on the number of seats our formation (Samajwadi Party, RJD and LJP) gets. If we have over 60 seats, we will certainly have the strength to bargain with Congress and other allies of the UPA. But the decision on who would be Prime Minister would be taken at that point of time. The less controversial amongst us may take over.
The issue of Dalit as Prime Minister has been the focal point of every political outfit in the last few years. Where do you place yourself in the entire scheme of things?
There are two ways to attain this goal. Either, the Dalits should achieve it themselves by remaining united throughout the country as one political entity or they should be given the post as per the Constitutional obligation. But I feel there is a need to realise this goal through both the ways.
Had you not been a Dalit leader, would you have aspired for the post?
I would have been a big leader much earlier had I not been a Paswan. But being a Paswan certainly helped me climb the political ladder...I would like to be referred to as a casteless leader.
I appreciate the truthfulness and transparency of Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, he admits his desire of becoming a PM but is not illogically chasing his dream, I think he is a man of great intelligence and would go far if this coalition succeeds……….I wish him luck
ReplyDeleteRam Vilas Paswan is the only scandal free name in this RJD, SP, LJP Troika and I think he is the most deserving PM candidate, I hope the public and the parties make the right choice
ReplyDeletePaswan has a distinct personality which sets him apart from this crowded political arena, he looks at the larger picture and doesn’t think twice before giving up personal interests for larger good…..hats off to such a leader
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if RVP should become the PM or not but yes if we just look at Dalit Public and compare the two big leaders currently present on the political scene then Paswan for sure is a undoubted choice
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to see a leader from a different political party than the regular rhetoric BJP Vs Congress game
ReplyDeleteI think lalu Yadav should lead the Trioka but yes he can not go far without Paswan’s support
ReplyDeleteLok Sabha Polls are getting very interesting this season and this new Fourth Front has added the much needed punch to the Polls………I think its time for history to be made in India……I look forward to my first Dalit PM- Shri. Ram Vilas Paswan
ReplyDeleteYes with so many people claiming to lead the country from the front. The political fight is getting interesting day by day. And this time it has got more interesting because of a new angle to it which is the emergence of "Fourth Front". I salute the honesty of Sh. Paswan to claim to be the next PM. And woudl like to wish him all the best for the same as well.
ReplyDeleteWith so many Dalit leaders claiming to be the next PM, political scenario has become very interesting. Leaders like Ms. Mayawati, Mr. Sharad Pawar, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, etc has come to fore to lead the country. But except Sh. Paswan all the other have got one or the other black mark on their character, which has made Sh. Paswan most suitable claimant for the PM's post.
ReplyDeleteI would like to wish Mr. Paswan all the best from my side.
ReplyDeleteAnd I appreciate his courage and honesty with which he has fought all the odds successfully. Hats off to you Mr. Paswan
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