Why only CM, I can become PM too: Manjhi

Chief ministerJitan Ram Manjhi, who completed six months in office on November 20, will present the government’s report card on November 25. On the eve of the completion of nine years of JD (U) rule, Manjhi tells Faizan Ahmad he will continue to work without taking notice of criticism. Excerpts:
What has been your experience as CM?
I got a well-governed Bihar, assiduously built by my predecessor Nitish Kumar. I took pledge to carry forward his roadmap for good governance and ensure development of the state. More or less I have been doing exactly that. But I felt certain social sector schemes had not been pushed effectively. Maybe, Nitish-ji did not realize that. For example, incentives to the SC, ST and minority students who pass Class X with second division. Nitish-ji OK’d schemes only for those securing first division. But I decided to offer Rs 8,000 each as incentive to all students of these categories securing second division. Nitish-ji made laudable initiatives for women empowerment. I made a move to encourage girl education beyond +2, offering Rs 15,000 as incentive to the SC, ST and minority girls who secure first division in +2 and Rs 10,000 to those securing second division. I bettered some of Nitish-ji’s welfare schemes.
Do you get cooperation from ministers and bureaucrats?
I face absolutely no problem. A section of ministers might be feeling uncomfortable. I can’t help that and will go ahead, ignoring them. As for bureaucrats, they work according to the line taken by their boss. They have a positive opinion about me. All my ministers are cooperative and I discuss all the issues with them. That I am remote-controlled by Nitish is a misnomer. I can say with conviction I did more during the last six months than what had been done during the previous six months.
Can a Mahadalit become Prime Minister?
It’s not impossible in a democratic system. I belong to a community in which earning bread is a challenge even though this community has been used by all the parties in elections. There is lack of confidence among Mahadalit people and its so-called leaders are responsible for this situation. Politicians of other castes come to power on the strength of our votes. I have no godfather, no money and no muscle power. Yet, I have been in politics since 1980 and lost only one assembly election. Nobody ever dreamt I could be CM. Who knows what happens in future. Thokar khate-khate CM ban gayein, kya pata PM bhi ban jayein.
What kind of hurdles did you face in taking important decisions?
Consensus eluded my ministers in one or two cases. Had I been a dictator, I would have seen to it that my cabinet passed those decisions. But I adopted a democratic path and decided to take expert opinion from institutions like ADRI and A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies. I am thankful to these institutions for appreciating my stand. A few major decisions will be rolled out in December.
You have said you will make way for Nitish Kumar, if need be. What is your plan for future?
JD (U) has resolved that Nitish-ji would helm the government if the party comes to power in 2015. Jitan Ram Manjhi will be the first person to propose his name. I never aspired for a post and never even imagined that I would become CM. It was Nitish’s greatness that he handpicked me as his successor when he showed high standard of morality and quit the CM’s post owning responsibility of the party’s defeat in parliamentary election. He could have chosen a politician of his caste or someone from among politicians hanging around him as his successor. I am not worried about my future. God knows what’s in store for me. If God so wishes, I will continue even for longer period.
Your party leaders and many others see you as a controversial CM...
That’s not true. My party men do not see me as a controversial CM. I am sorry to say that a section of the media made me controversial by distorting my statements. I can assure you I am not controversial; maybe I am different.
You said you would turn a permanent supporter of PM Narendra Modi if the Centre accords special state status to Bihar?
I said I would be grateful to him. I would say thanks and ‘zindabad’ if we get this status. I will do this even if people take it otherwise.