‘Haven’t heard anyone talk about unemployment’

BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy tells Piyush Tripathi why he’s banking on another ‘Modi wave’ to retain the Yadav’s Saran citadel that he breached in 2014

Is this polls for Modi against him, or is it NDA versus the rest?

This election is pro-incumbency for Modi at the Centre and Nitish in Bihar.

Why aren’t people’s issues at the forefront?

Those issues have been sorted out. Today, one can reach Saran from Patna in 40 minutes that once took five hours. There are good roads, internet, electricity, cooking gas for the poor and support for farmers.

But opposition says there is massive unemployment?

I don’t know on what basis they say this. I have not met a single person here who has talked about unemployment.

What issues then are of national importance?

Nationalism and patriotism. The declaration of

Masood Azhar

as a global terrorist has come as boost.

Opponents say you are seeking votes in the PM’s name?

The impact of Modi’s leadership is being felt even in the remotest village. Nitish Kumar has done a lot as CM. If I get votes only in Modiji’s name and win, I will gladly accept it.

How do you see the mahagathbandhan?

I don’t think it exists.

What is your assessment of Nitish Kumar?

He is phenomenal leader. The combination of Nitish and Modi is the driving force behind NDA in Bihar. There is an undercurrent in Bihar and BJP may win all 40 seats.

Will the undercurrent prevail till 2020 state polls?

I often say we’re not seeking votes just for 2019, we’ll also make Nitish CM in 2020.

Do you want to be a minister again under Modi?
People of my seat say let him (Rudy) be an MP, he comes less frequently if he becomes minister.