After the record success in 2010, you have again been made BJP election in-charge in Bihar. Is it because you share better chemistry with CM Nitish Kumar than many other BJP netas?
Nitishji is a comfortable and mature player in NDA. JDU has been with us since the Samata Party days in 1996. He is a tested ally. So, there's no question of 'I' and 'anybody'. We have been contesting elections with Ram Vilas ji's party since 2014 and with Manjhi ji since 2015.
But Chirag Paswan's party is contesting with Nitish Kumar for the first time in the assembly elections.
This time, NDA is united. Our biggest strength is trust, the faith of the people of Bihar in us and in our unity.
Compared to 2010, is 2025 easier or tougher for NDA?
Every election is different. There is a tight fight against the opposition 'lathbandhan'. But people's trust in NDA to deliver will ensure a decisive victory. PM Modi has already addressed four of the 14 planned rallies and will hold a roadshow in Patna on Nov 2. CM Nitish Kumar, Amit bhai, Nadda ji, Yogi ji, Manjhi ji, Chirag and Upendra Kushwaha ji are travelling hundreds of kilometres daily despite heavy rain.
The opposition claims PM Modi or Amit Shah stopped short of declaring Nitish as the next CM. Is there any trust deficit?
PM Modi said in the first meeting at Samastipur that Nitish is our face in Bihar. Amit bhai and Nadda ji have said the same. There is complete consensus within NDA on Nitish ji. There is no vacancy. Nitish is our mascot in Bihar. Ours is a political and social alliance endorsed by the people of Bihar.
The opposition questions Nitish ji's health.
He is absolutely healthy. Otherwise, how could he travel 250km by road and hold roadshows? He addresses several meetings daily. He is the CM and will form the govt again.
But 20 years as CM is a long period. Isn't it natural for people to discuss change?
Anti-incumbency does not exist in Bihar. People want progress but also know who can deliver - not those involved in land-for-jobs scams. There is pro-incumbency. There has been a paradigm shift in Bihar. A five-star hotel has opened in Purnia and flights are landing regularly at Darbhanga airport. This is aspirational Bihar.
Amit Shah set a target of 160+ seats for NDA. How many seats is it likely to win?
I am no astrologer. We have to work hard, but I believe it will be a qualitative victory with an absolute majority.
What will be the key factors for NDA?
The Modi factor and people's aspirations. Their faith in PM Modi and CM
Nitish Kumar to realise their dreams.
So, PM Modi still holds the sway?
He is a global leader. There is no doubt about it.
Is Rahul Gandhi, for his comments, an 'asset' for NDA in these elections?
It's natural for him to oppose us, but the language he uses for the PM is unbecoming of the leader of the opposition. It may be in his family culture, but by abusing the PM, he insults the country. He comes to Bihar and abuses Chhath and Bihar.
What will be the clincher for NDA in this election?
Good governance, trust and law and order. What was Bihar like in 2005? Look at the changes - Atal Path, Ganga Path and metro in Patna. If girls feel safe moving around at night in Patna, it's a big assurance on law and order. Bihar is now at take-off stage.
Were there any issues in NDA's selection of candidates?
NDA finalised seat-sharing first, then its candidates. Every partner sacrificed some seats. Winnability was our key factor. We are moving with a united face, while the rival camp is tense.
Some BJP cadres in Bihar feel the party should have its own CM.
We have worked successfully in Bihar for 30 years and contested seven of the last nine elections together. We are broadly an anti-Congress alliance and must accommodate partners.
RJD has kept Lalu away from its campaign.
I can't comment on their strategy. His baggage is too big - the fodder scam, the land-for-jobs scam. The people of Bihar have rejected Lalu ji & co for 20 years.
It is said BJP lacks netas like (the late) Sushil Modi to project its own CM face in Bihar.
No. We have many competent netas - Giriraj Singh, Sanjay Jaiswal, Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Sinha, Nityanand Rai, Nitin Nabin and Mangal Pandey, to name a few.
Is PK & his Jan Suraaj the X-factor in this election?
Our main contest is with 'Lathbandhan' (Mahagathbandhan). They have less alliance, more collision.
How important is the caste factor?
Socio-economic factors are important.
The second phase of the election covers 122 seats, mostly in border areas, including Seemanchal. Which phase is more challenging?
All 243 seats are challenging. We must perform strongly in each to secure a clear majority.
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The writer has a vast experience of over 30 years in the field of...
Read MoreThe writer has a vast experience of over 30 years in the field of journalism, as a reporter and a news editor. He has officiated as a bureau head and presided over the local desk in Patna and abroad. He has covered a variety of topics, from politics to sports, in India and abroad. He has covered top golfers and tennis players in tournaments held in Doha (Qatar).
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