Q: This question becomes important because your father fought against Congress for its dynastic politics. Now people say that he himself is encouraging dynastic politics in his party.
Chirag: See, I also have issues with dynastic politics if you establish yourself by snatching right of somebody else. I don't think I should be subjected to charges of dynastic politics because I joined party when it was passing through the worst phase. My father was not in Lok Sabha at that time.It was a time when people used to say that the time for the party was over as it was left with no support base. I took the responsibility of the party under those circumstances.
Q: You were made the chairman of LJP parliamentary board at such a young age. Had it been possible if you were not connected to that family?Chirag: Whether I would have been made or not made…this question becomes secondary. The primary question would have been whether I would be accepted or not. If all members of parliamentary board accepted me then it's because they would have felt that I had the capability of leading the party. And I think I have proved myself in recent months. I have taken the party to a a level that it's a number two party in Bihar while it has got strength in UP. Today LJP is one of the top 10 parties in india.
Q: It is said that you were the guiding force behind LJP-BJP alliance. How did you convince Ram Vilas Paswan for joining hands with BJP because he was completely against BJP after what happened in Gujarat in 2002.Chirag: Personally, I had a belief that we should join hands with BJP and become part of NDA. I used to listen to the speeches of Narendra Modi and was very impressed with him. As a son, I used to tell all this to my father. After I became the chairman of LJP parliamentary board, I started saying all this with a little more authority. And I am happy to say that all our senior leaders, supporters and cadres agreed with me and they all unanimously suggested that we should go with NDA. And I am happy that our national president took a decision in the interest of that party and nation setting aside his personal sentiments.
Q: As we say, Atal-Advani era is over in BJP. Similarly, can we say that Ram Vilas Paswan era is over in LJP and Chirag Paswan era has begun?Chirag: Absolutely not. This alliance would not have happened had he not wanted so. I am happy that he is an open minded person and there is democracy in my party. Everybody's suggestion is taken into account. But ultimately, it was his decision. In every decision, his word is final.
