Q: What is the strategy behind handing over a crucial state like UP to Amit Shah who has no considerable experience outside Gujarat?
Hussain: Amit Shah is a good organizer and is a very old member of BJP. He is a general secretary now and that's why he has been made in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. The UP unit wanted to fully utilize the talent of Amit Shah and that's why he has been given this responsibility.
Q: What talent you are talking about? He is accused of creating communal polarization in Gujarat. Is he going to repeat the same thing in UP? It is said that he has been made in-charge of UP because of his proximity with Narendra Modi who is planning to contest elections from UP. Hussain: Amit Shah is in UP only for party's work and nothing else. And it will be totally unfair to say that only those belonging to Gujarat are close to Narendra Modi and those who are from outside Gujarat are not close to Modi ji. In fact, everybody is close to Narendra Bhai.
Q: Will Varun Gandhi be the party's CM candidate in next assembly elections and is he going to change his LS seat in upcoming general elections? Hussain: Nothing has been decided on who would be the CM candidate and so far as his LS seat is concerned, party's central committee will take the final decision.
Q: Coming to Bihar, do you think BJP and JD(U) will contest elections together given the fact that the relationship has turned sour in recent times. Hussain: Everything is possible in politics and this is the statement of JD(U)'s state President and I completely agree with them. JD(U) had joined hands with us when we were seen as untouchables in the aftermath of Ayodhya movement. Our association with JD(U) is 17 years old. JD(U) is the most trusted ally after Shiv Sena and this relation will not break off because BJP is committed to the 10 Crore people of Bihar who had voted us for working together. If we part ways then people will of Bihar will feel cheated. Therfore, in the interest of Bihar's development, BJP is fully standing with JD(U). We are separate parties with separate ideology but on the question of Bihar's interest, we are one and will remain one.
Q: But Nitish Kumar is very clear that he will not continue the alliance if Modi is made the PM. Hussain: We are yet to declare Modi's candidature. So nothing can be said, as of now. But please note that BJP is a strong party in Bihar and its strength should not be underestimated. We have formed this alliance in the best interest of Bihar and we'll try our best to save the coalition.
Q. But in Bihar, you have almost surrendered. Hussain: BJP is not the name of a party that will surrender. We don't believe in surrender.
Q: Some leaders in Bihar have tried to highlight the OBC background of Modi. Do you think Narendra Modi's OBC background will benefit you in coming elections? Hussain: We don't believe in politics of caste. And the people of Bihar have rejected those who played caste politics.
